t LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. ' 

♦UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ^ 



ARNOUDT'S 
IMITATION OF THE SACRED HEART. 



J. M. FASTRE. 



V V 



.fltr EBVT 2 



?'* ^ V)" 

FOUR Rnn^Q 



V 



2 



CONTENTS. 



Testimony of those that have officially given their 

opinion of this Work. xvii 
Translator's Preface. ------ xix 

Prologue. - -- -- -- - 1 

Directory for the First Book. ----- 6 

THE FIRST BOOK. 

ADMONITIONS USEFUL FOR PURIFYING THE HEART. 
CHAPTER I. 

The foundation. 23 

CHAPTER II. 
That no object in this world can set our heart truly at 
rest, or make it truly contented. 29 

CHAPTER III. 
That in the Heart of Jesus our heart may find true rest, 
unalloyed felicity. - -- -- --31 

CHAPTER IV. 
That it is necessary for salvation, to imitate the Heart of 
Jesus. - -- -- -- --34 

CHAPTER V. 
That all our perfection consists in imitating the Heart of 
Jesus. - - - - - - . - -37 

CHAPTER VI. 
That whoever desires to imitate the Heart of Jesus, must 
purify his own heart. ------ 40 

CHAPTER VII. 
That our heart must especially be clean from mortal sin, 
the greatest of evils. -------44 

(iii) 



iv 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER VIII. 
That our heart must also be free from the least sin. - 49 

CHAPTER IX. 
That the heart of the sinner can taste only the bitterness 
of misery. ---------53 

CHAPTER X. 

That the Heart of Jesus invites all, even sinners. - 58 

CHAPTER XI. 
How the cleansing of the heart is to be undertaken. - 62 

CHAPTER XII. 
That the holy Sacrament of Penance is an easy and ef- 
fectual means of cleansing one's self from sins and 
vices. - -- -- -- --68 

CHAPTER XIII. 
That for the forgiveness of our sins we must firmly rely 
upon our Lord, after we have sincerely done what was 
morally in our power. ------ 77 

CHAPTER XIV. 
How we must guard against a relapse. 81 

CHAPTER XV. 
How the roots of vices and defects are to be wholly 
plucked up. ----- - -86 

CHAPTER XVI. 
That he who desires to follow the Heart of Jesus, must 
also withdraw his heart from the world. 95 

CHAPTER XVII. 
How deceitful the world is. - - - - - - 99 

CHAPTER XVIII. 
That to Serve the world is a cruel slavery. - - 1C4 



CONTENTS. V 

CHAPTER XIX. 
That the yoke of Jesus is truly sweet. - - - 107 

CHAPTER XX. 
That, without keeping anything for ourselves, we should 
give our whole heart to Jesus. - - - - 111 

CHAPTER XXI. 
Of watching over our heart. - - - - - 116 

CHAPTER XXII. 
Of the shortness of this life. - - - - - 121 



CHAPTER XXIII. 
Of death. - - 127 



CHAPTER XXIV. 
Of judgment. - - 132 

CHAPTER XXV. 
Of Hell. 136 

CHAPTER XXVI. 
Of heaven. ----142 



Dire tort for the Second Book - 147 
THE SECOND BOOK. 



ADMONITIONS USEFUL FOR THE IMITATION OF THE 
MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS IN HIS ACTIVE 
LIFE. 

CHAPTER I. 

How we should esteem and cherish sanctifying grace. - 158 

CHAPTER II. 
Why the Son of God wished to become incarnate. - 165 



vi 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER III. 
That our heart, after the example of the most Sacred 
Heart of Jesus incarnate, must be wholly devoted to 



God. - 171 

CHAPTER IV. 
That we must be taught by the Sacred Heart of Jesus, 
newly-born, and be imbued with Its Spirit. - - 176 

. CHAPTER V. 
That, of the most Sacred Heart of Jesus, whilst an in- 
fant, we must learn humility. ----- 181 

CHAPTER VI. 
That the most Sacred Heart of Jesus, born in a stable, 
teaches us holy poverty. ------ 191 

CHAPTER VII. 



That the most Sacred Heart of Jesus, dwelling in soli- 
tude among the Angels, teaches us holy chastity. - 198 

CHAPTER VIII. 
That, from the manger, the most Sacred Heart of Jesus 
teaches us holy obedience. ------ 205 

CHAPTER IX. 
That, at the Circumcision, the most Sacred Heart of Jesus 
teaches us mortification of heart. - 213 

CHAPTER X. 
That, after the example of the most Sacred Heart of Je- 
sus, adored by the Magi, we should overcome all hu- 
man respect. ----- - - 221 

CHAPTER XI. 
That of the most Sacred Heart of Jesus, presented in the 
temple, we should learn to have, in all things, a right 
intention. - -- -- -- - 228 



CONTENTS. vil 

CHAPTER XII. 
Of the freedom of heart, which the most Sacred Heart of 
Jesus, in His flight into Egypt, teaches us. - - 235 

CHAPTER XIII. 
That the most Sacred Heart of Jesus, going up into the 
Temple, teaches us to pray. ----- 242 

CHAPTER XIV. 
Of the love of solitude, after the example of the most Sa- 
cred Heart of Jesus, abiding at Nazareth. - - 251 

CHAPTER XV. 
Of the divine Presence, wherein we are taught to live by 
the example of the most Sacred Heart of Jesus, bap- 
tized. 259 

CHAPTER XVI. 
That the most Sacred Heart of Jesus, tempted in the 
desert, teaches us ever to preserve peace of heart. - 267 

CHAPTER XVII. 
That the most Sacred Heart of Jesus, entering upon His 
public life, teaches us zeal for souls. - 276 

CHAPTER XVIII. 
That the most Sacred Heart of Jesus, present at the mar- 
riage-feast in Cana, teaches us spiritual joyfulness. - 286 

CHAPTER XIX. 



That the most Sacred Heart of Jesus, conversing with 
men, teaches us to bear with the defects of our neighbor. 292 

CHAPTER XX. 
That the most Sacred Heart of Jesus, acting toward all 
with the greatest open-heartedness, teaches us to act 
with simplicity in regard to our neighbor. - - 298 



viii 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER XXI. 
That the most Sacred Heart of Jesus, showing to men 
the sweetness of humble charity, left us a model which 
we should follow. 306 

CHAPTER XXII. 
That the most Sacred Heart of Jesus, living in the world, 
teaches us so to dwell in the world, that we be neither 
of the world, nor harmed by it. - - - - 314 

CHAPTER XXIII. 
That the most Sacred Heart of Jesus, requiring faith in 
His Disciples, teaches us to live the life of faith. - 320 

CHAPTER XXIV. 
That the most Sacred Heart of J esus, promising salvation 
to them that persevere, and the means of salvation to 



them that pray with confidence, teaches us to lead the 
life of hope. 329 

CHAPTER XXV. 
That the Sacred Heart of Jesu3, enjoining love on 
all, teaches us to lead a life of divine love. - - 336 

CHAPTER XXVI. 
That the most Sacred Heart of Jesus, teaches us to exert 
ourselves to make progress in virtue. - 345 



Directory for the Third Book, - 355 
THE THIRD BOOK. 



ADMONITIONS USEFUL TO IMITATE THE MOST SA- 
CRED HEART OF JESUS, IN HIS LIFE OF SUF- 
FERING. 

CHAPTER I. 
How greatly we should esteem holiness, and how much 
we should strive after it. - - - " - - 367 



CONTENTS. 



ix 



CHAPTER II. 
That in this life no one can live without suffering. - 376 

CHAPTER III. 
How the most Sacred Heart of Jesus felt disposed in re- 
gard to sufferings. ------ 382 

CHAPTER IV. 
What advantages there are in suffering well. - - 389 

CHAPTER V. 
How, after the example of the most Sacred Heart of Je- 
sus, we must conform ourselves amidst afflictions to the 
divine Will. 396 

CHAPTER VI. 
That the most Sacred Heart of Jesus, teaches us in afflic- 
tion to have recourse to prayer. •■ 403 

CHAPTER VII. 
How the most Sacred Heart of Jesus teaches us, amid 
tribulation to use the aid of creatures. - 410 

CHAPTER VIII. 
How, after the example of the most Sacred Heart of 
Jesus, we should suffer the opposition and persecution 
of men. - - - - - - - - 415 

CHAPTER IX. 
How, after the example of the most Sacred Heart of Je- 
sus, we should bear to be forsaken by persons who are 
serviceable or needful to us. - - - - - 423 

CHAPTER X. 
How we may imitate the most Sacred Heart of Jesus 
made a prisoner. - - - - - _ 431 

CHAPTER XL 
How, after the example of the most Sacred Heart of Je- 
sus, it behooves us to bear false accusations. - - 437 



X CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER XII. 
That the most Sacred Heart of Jesus teaches us, how we 
ought to bear personal insults. - 444 

CHAPTER XIII. 
How it behooves us to imitate the most Sacred Heart of 
Jesus, so far as to be willing to be considered as fools, 
with Him and for His sake. ----- 452 

CHAPTER XIV. 
How, after the example of the most Sacred Heart of Je- 
sus, we should be willing to be placed below all. - 459 

CHAPTER XV. 
How, by voluntary mortifications, it behooves us to fol- 
low the most Sacred Heart of Jesus scourged. - - 466 

CHAPTER XVI. 
How, from the example of the most Sacred Heart of Je- 
sus, we should learn to endure bodily ailments and 



pains. 473 

CHAPTER XVII. 
How, after the example of the most Sacred Heart of Je- 
sus, we ought to accept death. - 481 

CHAPTER XVIII. 
With what disposition of heart, after the example of the 
most Sacred Heart of Jesus, we ought to feel affected 
toward the cross. ------- 489 



CHAPTER XIX. 
That Jesus crucified, by praying for His executioners, 
manifests the infinite goodness of His Heart toward 
sinners, and that, by grievous sin, these crucify Him 
anew. - -- -- -- -- 497 



CONTENTS. 



xi 



CHAPTER XX. 
That Jesus, by forgiving from His Heart toe thief, and 
by promising Paradise to him, teaches us how we 
should endure anxiety concerning our eternal salvation. 504 

CHAPTER XXI. 
How great a tenderness of heart Jesus manifested toward 
us, when He gave us His own Mother as our mother. - 511 

CHAPTER XXII. 
That Jesus, forsaken upon the cross, teaches us how to 
act, when we are exposed to temptations. - - 519 

CHAPTER XXIII. 
That Jesus, in His abandonment, thirsting and not re- 
lieved, shows us how we should deport ourselves in 
spiritual desolation. ------- 531 

CHAPTER XXIV. 
That Jesus accomplishing all upon the cross, teaches us 
to accomplish, in like manner, all things upon the 
cross. - -- -- -- -- 540 

CHAPTER XXV 
That Jesus commending His Spirit into the hands of His 
Father, teaches us how we must wholly give up our- 
selves to Him. -------- 546 

CHAPTER XXVI. 

The Heart of Jesus, after His death opened for love of 
us, is the refuge and solace of all. - - - - 551 



Xll CONTENTS. 



Directory for the Fourth Book. - 557 
THE FOURTH BOOK. 

ADMONITIONS HELPFUL TOWARD UNITING ONE'S 
SELF WITH THE HEART OF JESUS IN BLISS. 

CHAPTER I. 

The most Blessed Sacrament of the Eucharist is an in- 
vention of the love of the most Sacred Heart of Jesus. 567 

CHAPTER n. 
Of the marvelous institution of the most Blessed Sacra- 
ment of the Eucharist. ------ 574 

CHAPTER III. 
With how lively a faith the Church has, always and 
everywhere, manifested her devotion to the most 
Blessed Sacrament. - - - . - - - - 581 

CHAPTER IV. 
That the most Sacred Heart of Jesus, in the Sacrament 
of His love, is perfectly blissful. - 591 

CHAPTER V. 
The most Sacred Heart of Jesus is the heart of His holy 
Church. 598 

CHAPTER VI. 
The most Sacred Heart of Jesus, unites the Church mil- 
itant on earth, with the Church triumphant in heaven. 607 

CHAPTER VII. 
The most Sacred Heart of Jesus unites together the 
Church that suffers in purgatory, with the militant and 
triumphant Church. - 614 



CONTENTS. 



xiii 



CHAPTER VIII. 
Of the ineffable occupations of the most Sacred Heart of 
Jesus, in the Sacrament, with respect to His Father. - 620 

CHAPTER IX. 
The most Sacred Heart of Jesus, in the Blessed Sacra- 
ment, honors His Father infinitely. - 626 

CHAPTER X. 
The most Sacred Heart of Jesus, by its self-offerings in 
the most holy Sacrament, appeases the divine justice, 
and procures for us measureless graces. - 632 

CHAPTER XI. 
The most Sacred Heart of Jesus, in the Sacrament of 
His love, is our greatest consolation on earth. - - 639 

CHAPTER XII. 
The most Sacred Heart of Jefus, in Its Sacramental, as 
formerly in Its mortal life, whilst instructing men, 
does not cease to teach that He is meek and humble. - 647 

CHAPTER XIII. 
The most Sacred Heart of Jesus willed, that the most 
holy Eucharist should be an enduring remembrance of 
His Passion, and an everlasting memorial of His love 
displayed therein. ------ . 65-4 

CHAPTER XIV. 
The most Sacred Heart of Jesus displays in this wonder- 
ful Sacrament the sum and substance of all divine 
mysteries. - -- -- -- - 661 

CHAPTER XV. 
The most Sacred Heart of Jesus, in the most Blessed Sa- 
oament of the Eucharist, leads us to the divine per- 
fections. ------ -- 671 



xiv 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER XVI. 
How great a reverence, both outward and inward, the 
Heart of Jesus wills us to have for tbe most Blessed 
Sacrament. - -- -- -- - 682 

CHAPTER XVII. 
That we should endeavor by every means to atone for 
the insults, which are offered to the most Sacred Heart 
of Jesus in the Sacrament of His love. : - - 690 

CHAPTER XVIII. 
That we must prove ourselves before we approach the 
holy Sacrament of the Eucharist. - 698 

CHAPTER XIX. 
How we ought to prepare ourselves for holy Communion, 706 

CHAPTER XX. 
What we must do after we have received the Blessed Sa- 
crament. - - - - - - - - -716 

CHAPTER XXI. 
The most Sacred Heart of Jesus, in the bountiful Sacra- 
ment of the Eucharist, gives us a remedy, whereby we 
are freed from venial, and preserved from mortal sins. 727 

CHAPTER XXII. 
By holy Communion the most Sacred Heart of Jesus, 
unites us with Himself, and makes us live through 
and for Him. 735 

CHAPTER XXIII. 
The most Sacred Heart of Jesus, through holy Commu- 
nion, perfects His union with us, and transforms us 
into Himself. 741 



CONTENTS. XV 

CHAPTER XXIV. 
Through holy Communion, the most Sacred Heart of Je- 
sus, bestows upon us the gift of perseverance. - 747 

CHAPTER XXV. 
Through holy Communion, the most Sacred Heart of 
Jesus gives us a pledge of future glory. - 754 

CHAPTER XXVI. 
Recapitulation. — The most Sacred Heart of Jesus is our 
all. 760 

Memento. - - - -- -- -- 771 

Epilogue. -------- - 772 



TESTIMONY 

OF THOSE THAT HAVE OFFICIALLY GIVEN THEIR 
OPINION OF THIS WORK. 

©pinion of i\t forn fatter 3ftootf)aan, (Knural of 
^ocUtg of 3tsus. 

(From a letter of his Paternity to the Author.) 

Rev. Father in Christ. P. C. — 

Sometime since I received the manuscript (bearing date 
1846) of a work written by your Reverence, and entitled, 
" The Imitation op the Sacred Heart of Jesus." I was 
highly delighted with the subject of the Book, and the zeal 
of your Reverence to promote a devotion so useful and so 
much recommended. . . I hope that this work of your 
Reverence will be printed for the good of the faithful. 

©pinions of i\t (Censors in Enurira. 

1. " I have examined the little work entitled: 'The Im- 
itation of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.' It pleases me 
very much, and appears well fitted to enkindle in the hearts 
of the Faithful, a love for the Sacred Heart of Jesus, to sup- 
ply abundant matter for meditation, and point out the path 
to every kind of virtue and perfection. Nor do I judge that 
anything hinders it from being published, much less do I 
think that there is in it aught contrary to Faith or good 
morals." {First cem. Prof, of Mor. Theol.) 

2. "I have read the work entitled: 'The Imitation of 
the Sacred Heart of Jksus,' in four Books. And first, 
the Author's subject — which may furnish abundant fruit to 
the person that reads it, or meditates thereon — pleases me. 
Again, the manner in which the Author follows up his sub- 

(xvii) 



xvlii 



TESTIMONY. 



ject, is complete. Thirdly, the style itself shows a natural 
simplicity, which is agreeable. Nor do I see what more car. 
be desired in this little work. Neither did I discover any- 
thing, which may offend against Faith, or sound and pure 
morals." (Second cens. Prof, of Dogm. Theol.) 

3. "I have read the Book entitled: 'The Imitation op 
the Sacred Heart op Jesus,' and find it very well adapted 
to awaken the desire of perfection, and, at the same time, 
such as to direct the reader, how to walk without stumbling 
in the way of perfection." (Third cens. D. D.) 

4. " Let this work be printed, it will lead souls to sanc- 
tity." (Fourth cens. Sup.) 



translator's Jrtfate. 



The book, which is here presented to the Eng- 
lish speaking public, is one of those works which 
possess a merit of their own. The general favor 
with which it has been received throughout Europe, 
and the high commendations bestowed upon it, 
leave no room for doubt that it will be equally wel- 
comed in America, where it was originally com- 
posed. The circumstances, under which it was 
begun, are incidentally alluded to by the author, 
in the Epilogue. 

If care, study and meditation are indispensable 
in the production of a solid work, the author has 
added to these even more than the advice of the 
Roman Bard: "nonumque prematur in annum," 
since it was finished so long ago as 184G. No 
wonder, then, if it is a Book of rare merit, and 
worthy of keeping company with the immortal 
" Following of Christ," of the venerable a Kempis. 
This work it resembles in teaching the highest 
practical truths, but it differs from the same, in 
that it is more regular in plan ; more complete, 
actual, definite, 

(xix) 



XX 



translator's preface. 



To appreciate the " Imitation of the Sacred 
Heart of Jesus," it should not merely be read once 
and again : it should be used as a constant and 
cherished guide to point out to us, how, in every 
circumstance of life, we may learn to avail our- 
selves of God's favors and dispensations, to lay up 
treasures in heaven. 

To understand this we need only refer to the 
general design of the work. It takes a person at 
the beginning, lays down before him the ground- 
work of the interior, the spiritual life ; and pro- 
ceeds methodically to lead him, step by step, 
through its mysterious pathways, until it brings 
him to the very summit of Christian perfection. 
Nor is this done by simply inculcating abstract 
theories and sublime teachings : our Lord is, 
throughout, introduced, placing before us the liv- 
ing example of His Heart, and applying, practically 
and in detail, His own lessons. 

The very soul, so to speak, of the work, is the 
love of the Heart of Jesus. Other virtues form, 
as it were, the body. Certain leading principles, 
like so many veins pervading all, complete the 
whole. These leading principles are the main- 
spring of the spiritual life. The chief among them 



translator's preface. 



xxi 



may be said to be : a great purity of heart and 
horror of sin — avoiding, however, a false delicacy, 
or scrupulousness of conscience, — an unfeigned es- 
teem of genuine virtue, a generous spirit of self- 
denial, an ardent affection for prayer, a perfect res- 
ignation to the divine Will, a true idea and appre- 
ciation of the Church and her mission upon earth, 
and, consequently, a sincere, a childlike devotion to 
her ; in fine, a real zeal for the salvation of others 
and for all the interests of Jesus, with whom the 
soul has, in some manner, become identified. But, 
in order to realize all this, the reader should give 
proper attention to the Directory, placed before 
each of the four Books. This is an essential por- 
tion of the work, and exceedingly well-adapted to 
enable us to reap from it the intended spiritual 
profit. 

Whence it appears, that the work possesses no 
ordinary solidity; and, in truth, for directors of 
souls, for religious, yea, for every Christian — who 
desires to make progress in virtue and perfection — 
it should become an inseparable companion. 

As regards its English dress, the translator 
would state, that it has been his principal aim to 
give, as far as possible, the exact meaning of the 



xxii 



translator's preface. 



author, preferring this to elegance of style and dic- 
tion — as more useful and appropriate. If he con- 
tribute, in any wise, to increase among Christians 
the knowledge, the honor, the love of the Sacred 
Heart of Jesus, he will deem his labors amply re- 
warded. 

Cincinnati : Feast of St. Agnes, 1365. 



PROLOGUE. 



1. The most ancient special devotion of Chris- 
tians is doubtless that of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, 
the Son of God. The holy Sacraments and the 
other objects of devotion did not yet exist, when 
the Blessed Virgin Mary found her delight in wor- 
shiping the most Sweet Heart of her Jesus ; already 
did Holy Joseph clasp that Heart to his bosom; 
even then were the Shepherds and the Magi, Simeon 
and Anna, the Apostles and the Disciples attracted 
to It and by It: they longed to show to It the af- 
fection and love of their hearts. But after Jesus 
had called upon all men to learn, " that He is meek 
and humble of Heart ;" after He had drawn from 
the treasury of His Heart that best of all gifts, the 
Sacrament of the Most Blessed Eucharist; lastly, 
after He had willed that, upon the cross, His Heart 
should be opened, and continue open, as a place of 
refuge for all ; then was devotion to His divine 
Heart wonderfully increased. The Apostles now 
spread it throughout the world as a special worship. 
Thenceforth, the Fathers of the Church themselves 
practiced it most tenderly, and commended it most 
carefully to others. The Saints of every after age 
became devoted disciples of the Heart of Jesus. 
But when came the fullness of time, at which He 
had decreed to pour forth all the riches of His 

(1) 



2 



PROLOGUE. 



Heart, the goodness and kindness of the Saviour 
were made manifest, and Himself revealed His wish 
that, thereafter, this devotion should be a most 
especial one ; since He declared and promised that 
He would lavish the abundance of His graces upon 
all, who should consecrate themselves to the wor- 
ship of His Heart. 

2. The object of this worship is the Heart Itself 
of Jesus. And since in Jesus Christ there are two 
natures, the divine and the human, and only one 
person, the divine Person ; the Heart of Jesus Christ 
is the Heart of the divine Person, the Heart of the 
Word Incarnate. And because the divine Person 
is to be honored with the highest worship ; the 
worship to be paid to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, 
which can neither be separated nor taken away from 
the divine Person, is likewise supreme. This is a 
Catholic truth, which has prevailed over all con- 
trary errors. 

3. The end of this devotion is threefold. The 
first, to make to Jesus a return for that boundless 
love, of which His Heart is the symbol, that made 
Him do so much and suffer so immeasurably for our 
sake ; and induced Him to bestow upon us that 
sweetest and most precious of all gifts, the Sacra- 
ment of the Eucharist. The second, that, through 
the fervor of our piety, we may, as far as we can, 
make amends for all the insults which have been, 
or are even now offered to His most Sacred Heart, 
which He exhibits to us as the throne of His affec- 



PROLOGUE. 



3 



tions. The third, that imitating what we worship, 
we may be inspired with the same affections, the 
same sentiments that animated His Heart during 
His life of toil and suffering, and still animate It 
in His blissful and Sacramental life. 

4. From its antiquity, object, and manifold end, 
it is plain that this devotion is most excellent, most 
profitable, most solid and most consoling. But 
since to imitate what we worship is the abridgment 
of religion, and since the other ends are contained 
and reduced to practice in a true Imitation ; there- 
fore, in order to insist on this Imitation, and, as far 
as it is allowed, to direct the same, this little volume 
is presented to all. 

5. This work, which contains a summary of As- 
cetic Theology, and embraces the doctrine, as well 
as the practice, of the spiritual and interior life, 
will supply ample matter for daily meditation, 
throughout the whole year. In this manner the 
reader will be enabled to repeat it every year, to 
examine it more closely, and to impress it more 
deeply on his mind and heart. He can, if it so 
pleases, start from the beginning and continue to 
the end of the work; or he may, whilst going on 
from the beginning, occasionally break off this or- 
der, either when some necessity or advantage invites 
him to some portion specially adapted to his present 
feelings ; or when, on the days on which he ap- 
proaches holy Communion, his devotion suggests 



PROLOGUE. 



the last Book as better suited to his actual circum- 
stances. 

6. For very weighty reasons, things are not pro- 
posed here in general and in common, as is usualty 
done in books for meditation, but everything is laid 
down specially and in particular, both in regard to 
the evil to be avoided, and the good to be practiced. 
First, that the reader may not be left in uncertainty 
or beating the air, aiming and grasping at whatever 
presents itself by the way, and yet gain, or secure 
nothing. Secondly, that having assiduously before 
his eyes something determinate, he may direct his 
strength and efforts, as well in time of prayer and 
meditation as during self-examination and the per- 
formance of good works, to this, that he subdue 
what is to be subdued, that he acquire what is to 
be acquired. Lastly, that by destroying separately 
those things which are the causes, or, as it were, the 
roots of other evils, he may the more easily and 
the more efficaciously demolish the rest ; and that, 
by learning and acquiring separately those capital 
virtues of which, in the lowliness and charity of 
His Heart, Jesus has given us the example, he may 
the more readily and the more certainly obtain all 
other virtues. 

7. What regards the manner of writing, although 
it is most true, that the testimony of Christ must 
not be announced in loftiness of speech or wisdom, 
since the kingdom of God consists not in speech but 
in virtue; yet, it seemed proper to attend carefully 



PROLOGUE. 



5 



to two things: first, that the style should every- 
where be suited to the subject; secondly, that the 
diction should be sufficiently pure. 

8. Finally, it must be observed, that the charac- 
ter of this little work is such, as to require, not that 
it should be read in public to others, but that every 
one, who desires to use it, may read it privately to 
himself alone. For its form, its reasoning demand 
that, in order to relish it, you should, in some man- 
ner, converse alone with Jesus alone, face to face, 
heart to heart. 



DIRECTORY FOR THE FIRST BOOK- 



1. Whoever desires to gather for himself the 
whole fruit of this work, must rightly understand 
the aim of each Book, properly apply the means 
proposed, and diligently strive to surmount the ob- 
stacles to the attainment of this aim. Wherefore, 
in regard to these things, we shall briefly and 
clearly lay down before every Book that which may 
serve to direct you with safety. 

2. The aim of the first Book is, to teach you how 
to free the heart, first, from the stains of sin, after- 
wards from the love of a corrupt world, and lastly, 
from the inordinate affection for self. And this 
may be understood in three ways, and reached 
through as many degrees. 

And first, it is required that you free your soul 
from every mortal sin, and from the love of the 
world and every ill -regulated affection for yourself, 
so far as actually to prefer God, your Creator and 
Saviour, before all things ; and., consequently, to be 
unwilling, for anything whatsoever, to offend mor- 
tally the Divine Majesty. 

Secondly, that you cleanse your heart from every 
deliberate venial sin, and from the love of the 
world and the ill-regulated affection for self, so that 
not even to obtain all things created, nor even to 
preserve life itself, you would commit any delib- 
erate venial sin. 
(6) 



DIRECTORY FOR THE FIRST BOOK. 



7 



Thirdly, that you purify yourself from those im- 
perfections which a great fidelity to divine grace 
may enable you to avoid ; and that you so dispose 
yourself as to abhor the world, and to detest every 
inordinate affection for self. 

Whence it follows that all, they that begin, they 
that are advanced, yea the perfect themselves, may 
profitably make use of this book, and go over it 
again and again. For, " Believe me," says St. Ber- 
nard, " things cut off sprout forth again, what is 
driven off returns, what is put out is again enkin- 
dled, and what lies slumbering is again awakened- 
It is therefore but little to have pruned once, the 
pruning-knife should be applied, yea, if possible, 
always ; if you are in earnest, you will always find 
something which needs pruning." 

Here it must carefully be observed, that a per- 
fect cleansing of the heart is a matter of the ut- 
most importance, whereon almost everything in the 
spiritual life depends. The chief reason why there 
are so few who find the path of virtue easy and 
pleasant ; so few who continue to advance readily 
and perseveringly ; so few who attain to the divine 
union; so few, in fine, who even in this life enjoy 
the good things which the Lord has here promised 
to the clean of heart, — is, because so few do per- 
fectly cleanse their interior. Many there are who 
labor much and make little progress : they are often 
obliged to begin anew ; they scarcely, or almost 
never, taste the sweetness of virtue ; they carry the 



8 DIRECTORY FOR THE FIRST ROOK. 



cross, but do not experience its unction. And, al- 
though the j may at last be saved, yet, for all eternity, 
they deprive God of a great glory, and themselves 
of an immense bliss, which they could easily have 
merited, had they cleansed themselves perfectly. 
Wherefore, there is hardly anything which the de- 
mon strives more to hinder than a complete cleans- 
ing of the heart. He suffers us quietly enough to 
practice virtues, and even to apply ourselves to per- 
fection, provided we neglect purity of heart. For 
he knows, that in this way we will fall into delu- 
sions, and never acquire genuine and solid virtues, 
much less true perfection. Now, this is the com- 
mon illusion, against which souls, that are not yet 
well purified, should especially be on their guard : 
They desire namely, after a superficial cleansing of 
the heart, forthwith to deal on terms of intimacy 
in the interior life with Jesus, to be entertained 
with Him amid the flowers of virtues, and to taste 
the most delicious fruits : or, which is still more 
dangerous, neglecting perfect purity of heart, they 
aspire to the enjoyment of internal union with 
Jesus, so full of love and sweetness. There are 
other illusions, to which souls that enter upon the 
spiritual life are exposed; for example: they prac- 
tice external mortification even to excess ; they 
wish, — with a mind in some manner interiorly stub- 
born, and through a certain violence, — to be freed 
from something that is irksome to them, or to ac- 
quire that for which they long ; they keep up fear, 



DIRECTORY FOR THE FIRST BOOK. 9 



even unto down-heartedn ess. But these tilings! al- 
though dangerous, are not so common nor baneful, 
as that whereby a person is induced to overlook 
interior purity. 

3. To this, therefore, you must direct all your 
endeavors. First, having well understood that you 
are called to true bliss everlasting, learn, as per- 
fectly as possible, all the malice and all the evil of 
sin, and feel, in some manner, in your soul all the 
deformity caused in you by sin ; secondly, acquire 
as perfect a knowledge as possible of the vanity 
and wickedness of the world, and comprehend most 
intimately the lamentable fate of those that suffer 
themselves, of their own accord, to be forever ut- 
terly destroyed by the world ; thirdly, have a true 
knowledge of your own self, — what you have made 
yourself through your offenses, how miserable you 
are of yourself, and to what you tend of yourself. 

To attain to all this, it is not enough to read the 
Book in a hasty manner, but you should meditate 
with attention and diligence on what is said, and 
reduce it to practice. For, in this work things are 
not so much unfolded as pointed out : first, in or- 
der that you may reflect thereon, and endeavor to 
develop and apply the same to yourself; secondly, 
that you may stir up the affections of your heart, 
and ask of the Lord whatever you may need, ac- 
cording to the state of your soul; lastly, that you 
may secure an inward relish and gather more 
abundant fruit. For, by thus meditating, by pious 



10 DIRECTORY FOR THE FIRST BOOK. 



desires, by earnest prayer, you shall understand the 
matter more clearly, and apply it with more profit ; 
and, in return, the Lord, according to the gene- 
rosity of His Heart, will reward } r our endeavors, 
and bless them with His grace. All which is to be 
understood as referring not to the first Book only, 
but to the others likewise. 

4. There are two methods of using this first 
Book : each of which is perfectly safe and easy, as 
is proved by the experience of very many, even un- 
educated persons, who are wont to spend whole 
hours in meditation, without weariness and with 
much fruit. 

The first method is mainly suitable for beginners, 
who, not yet accustomed to mental prayer, cannot 
keep up a continuous reasoning : nothing, however, 
hinders others from employing this same method, 
particularly when they do not feel themselves prop- 
erly disposed to make deeper reflections. 

First, therefore, recite a preparatory prayer, 
which may always be the same, and as follows : 
"Gather unto Thee, Lord Jesus, all my senses; 
cleanse my heart from all evil and unbecoming 
thoughts enlighten my understanding, inflame my 
heart, that, during this prayer, I may employ atten- 
tively and devoutly the senses of my body and tho 
powers of my soul, for Thy glory and my salvation ; 
and that, through Thy most Sacred Heart, I may 
deserve to be heard in the sight of Thy Divine Ma- 
jesty. Amen. Lord Jesus, in unison with that 



DIRECTORY FOR THE FIRST BOOK. 11 



divine intention of Thy Heart, whereby Thou didst 
pay to God the tribute of thy praise, I offer to 
Thee this prayer." After which, place yourself 
before the Lord, in some appropriate mystery, or 
as dwelling in the holy Tabernacle. Finally, beg 
fervently of Him the fruit of the prayer which you 
are about to make. These three things constitute 
the beginning or introduction of the meditation, in 
whichsoever manner it is made. 

Next, if you make use of the first method of 
prayer, first, read slowly and attentively one or 
more verses, according as you may find it neces- 
sary or useful ; secondly, consider how true that is 
which you have just now read; how true all the 
Saints deemed it, as well as all they that were 
anxious to deliver their souls from everlasting per- 
dition, and to save them for eternity; how true you 
yourself will think it at the moment of death ; 
thirdly, examine yourself, endeavoring to discover 
what has hitherto been, in practice, your conduct 
concerning it; if good, return thanks to the Lord, 
and ascribe to Him all the glory, and do not neg- 
lect to beg for grace to be enabled to persevere in 
well-doing, yea, to act even better and more per- 
fectly ; if, on the contrary, evil, grieve, excite an 
act of contrition, ask pardon ; fourthly, form a good 
resolution of correcting yourself, or making pro- 
gress for the better : select means adapted to this 
purpose, and ask for grace to execute your resolve. 
This being done, if the allotted time for meditation 



12 DIRECTORY FOR THE FIRST BOOK. 



is not elapsed, pass over to other verses, foLowing 
the same order. 

But if you make use of the second method of 
meditation, after the aforesaid introduction, 1, ex- 
ercise your memory, either by reading or recalling 
to mind the matter of the meditation; 2, exercise 
the understanding, first, by reasoning on the sub- 
ject of the meditation, proceeding through causes 
and effects ; secondly, by investigating -what prac- 
tical applications can be drawn therefrom ; thirdly, 
what 'reasons or incitements urge you to this; 
fourthly, how you have acted till now; fifthly, what 
is to be done for the future ; sixthly, what obstacles 
should be removed; seventhly, what means must 
be chosen; 3, exercise the will, first, by stirring 
up pious and appropriate affections and making in- 
ternal acts; secondly, by forming good specific 
resolutions, adapted to the present state of your 
soul; thirdly, by earnestly imploring grace for 
yourself and for others. 

Lastly, 1, a colloquy is made with Jesus by an 
outpouring of heart ; 2, the concluding prayer is 
recited after this manner: "Lord Jesus Christ, 
who didst deign, by a new favor to Thy Church, to 
disclose the unspeakable riches of Thy Heart, grant, 
I beseech Thee, that I may be able to correspond 
to the love of this most Sacred Heart, make atone- 
ment by worthy homage for the insults offered by 
thankless men to Thy most afflicted Heart, and be 
inspired in all things with the sentiments of the 



DIRECTORY FOR THE FIRST BOOK. 



13 



same Heart ; who livesfc and reigncst with God the 
Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God world 
without end. Amen." 3, finish by recommending 
yourself to the most Blessed Virgin Mary, to your 
Angel Guardian and your holy Patrons. These 
three things form the end or close of every kind of 
meditation. 

Since experience proves, that the examples of the 
Saints exercise a wonderful and saving influence, 
on the hearts of sinners as well as of the just, they 
are frequently brought forward. But, to meditate 
on these with more fruit, you should consider some 
particular Saint or Saints, whom you choose for 
Patron, or to whom you entertain a special devo- 
tion. For different persons are edified and moved 
by different examples : thus a religious is wont to 
know better, and to study more, the lives of the 
Saints of his Order ; and they that live in the world 
and strive to serve God, feel more devotion to those 
Saints whose example seems better adapted to them- 
selves. When, therefore, the Saints are said to 
have done something after the example of the Heart 
of Jesus, or to have been distinguished in some 
speciality, you ought to select in your mind some 
particular Saint, and see what he did, and how he 
acted; implore his intercession with God, and 
recommend yourself to him. And if no Saint oc- 
curs to you at the time, you can always recall the 
example of the most Blessed Virgin Mary, and beg 
her intercession and protection. 



14 DIRECTORY FOR THE FIRST BOOK, 



5. Then, in order to guard against, or overcome 
the obstacles which the enemy of your everlasting 
happiness throws in your way, and which are wont 
to relate to conscience ; you should, first, rightly 
understand what is meant by conscience. Now, 
conscience is the dictate presented through reason, 
which inwardly warns, or shows us, in particular 
cases, what is to be done or omitted, and this either 
under pain of sin, because it is a matter of precept; 
or, on account of an increase of merit, or the greater 
good-pleasure of Grod, because it is only a matter 
of counsel. It is called a dictate presented through 
reason ; because it is a practical conclusion deduced 
from principles, known to reason, either by the light 
of nature, or of grace or faith. For example : My 
conscience tells me, that to-day (Sunday) I am 
obliged to hear Mass. This is deduced from these 
implied premises : On Sundays there is an obliga- 
tion of hearing Mass: but to-day is a Sunday; 
therefore, to-day there is an obligation of hearing 
Mass. But it must be remarked, that an inference 
of this kind is secretly drawn, and presented to 
man, even in spite of himself: as is made manifest- 
in those who are unwilling to listen to the voice of 
conscience, lest they be deterred from things wherein 
they unlawfully indulge, or lest they be disturbed 
in them. For it is altogether against their will 
that they hear, that conscience forbids something 
and condemns them. Hence it appears that con- 



DIRECTORY FOR TiIE FIRST BOOK. 



15 



science, when really such, is independent of man 
and superior to him. 

He that is too prone to timidity or scrupulous- 
ness, should here carefully observe and learn, that 
conscience is not an agitation of the nerves, nor a 
representation of the fancy, nor a vague fear, nor, 
finally, the possibility of a case. On the other hand, 
he that is too inclined to laxity or to rashness, should 
observe, that a desire of the will, the propensity or 
aversion of nature, that some passion, or, lastly, 
some subtle artifice, is not conscience. But let them 
both remember, that conscience is the dictate pre- 
sented through reason, or the voice of the Spirit of 
God, who speaks to us inwardly by reason, as an in- 
terior organ, and makes known to us, in particular 
cases, His Will that commands, or His good-pleasure 
that counsels. 

Conscience is true or right. A right conscience 
is that one, which shows things as they are in real- 
ity ; as commanded or obliging, what is commanded ; 
as dangerous, what is dangerous ; as counseled or 
better, what belongs to counsel or perfection. This 
conscience, if we follow it in such a manner that, 
from a holy fear of God, — whereby like good chil- 
dren we dread to offend God, — we avoid sins which 
destroy His friendship, or His paternal good-will 
towards us, is called a fair conscience. But, if we 
are so faithful that, at its bidding, we guard against 
every voluntary defect, and are obedient to the same 
in all things, it is called a delicate conscience. 



16 



DIRECTORY FOR THE FIRST BOOK. 



Again, conscience may be false or erroneous. 
Such is that one which shows things falsely or dif- 
ferently from what they are in truth. This hap- 
pens, for the most part, through the fault of man, who 
violates the instrument of which the Spirit of G-od 
makes use, so that it does not transmit the divine 
voice. Ignorance, the habit of sin, every inordinate 
passion, spoils it more or less. Or, to speak more 
plainly, ignorance, the habit of sin, every inordinate 
passion, have, each by itself, the effect of causing 
something false or trifling, to be assumed as one of 
the principles from which a practical inference, or 
conscience, is deduced. Whence it happens, that 
such a conscience is the voice, not of the Spirit of 
G-od ; but of another spirit, that uses passion, or any 
of those other causes, to speak to man's interior. 

If conscience errs by our voluntary fault, it is 
styled vincibly erroneous, and makes us guilty of 
the errors. Now, it is vincibly erroneous, through 
our voluntary fault, if, when we put an act, or the 
cause of an act, a knowledge or a doubt of an error 
occurs to the mind, and the obligation of avoiding 
the error is noticed, and when, over and above, or- 
dinary diligence to know the truth is neglected. 
But, if conscience errs without such a fault on our 
part, it is called invincibly erroneous, and does not 
make us guilty in the sight of God. 

To erroneous conscience belong likewise, both the 
scrupulous and the lax conscience, being the opposite 
extremes. A scrupulous conscience is that which 



DIRECTOR r FOR THE FIRST BOOK. 



17 



believes it sees, and even when corrected, persists 
in believing, that it sees, sin where there is no sin ; 
it errs for the most part, because a soul gives in to 
the imagination, to the obstinacy of her own judg- 
ment, or some passion which fetters the heart ; 
whence, being inwardly agitated and perplexed, she 
sees objects differently from what they really are, 
or confounds one thing with another, precepts with 
counsels, things probable with possible, sin and its 
danger with the appearance or semblance of sin and 
danger. 

A lax conscience, on the other hand, is the con- 
science of a soul that persuades herself that she 
does not see — and, even when warned, continues to 
persuade herself that she does not see — sin, or the 
danger of sin, where it really exists. An individual 
falls into this error because he has a mind which 
labors under culpable ignorance, or a sin to which 
he is habitually addicted; or because he indulges a 
passion by which he covets or abhors something 
inordinately. "Whence it happens, that he who has 
such a conscience is blamable ; because he can guard 
against errors by removing their cause : which he 
must certainly do when he sufficiently perceives the 
obligation of removing the same. 

We should guard, with the greatest care, as well 
against a scrupulous, as against a lax, conscience. 
Both are not only dangerous, but destructive : the 
one, as well as the other, hinders perfection, and ren- 
ders it impossible : and, what is more to be dreaded, 
2 



18 



DIRECTORY FOR THE FIRST BOOK. 



both are wont to expose salvation itself to the dan- 
ger of perdition. Wherefore, let every one be care- 
ful to have a right conscience. 

But, to commit a formal sin, or a sin by which 
God is offended and man becomes guilty, it is neces- 
sary, first, that the act, whether internal or external, 
by which sin is committed, either through commis- 
sion or omission, be evil or unlawful, or is consid- 
ered as evil or unlawful by conscience ; secondly, 
that his mind, when he does the act, or puts the 
cause of the act, advert to the moral evil of the 
act, or see that the act is unlawful ; thirdly, that 
the will, whilst he possesses the internal liberty of 
choosing between consent and dissent, knowing that 
the act is evil or unlawful, freely consent thereto. 
For, if he does an internal or external act, the moral 
evil of which he does not notice, either when he 
does the act, or puts the cause of the act ; he in- 
deed wills or can will the act, but not as morally 
evil, while he does not see that the same is unlaw- 
ful. For nothing is willed that is not known. 
Wherefore, by willing, or doing, such an act, he 
commits only a material sin ; which is nothing else 
than an error of a conscience, invincibly erroneous, 
whereby God is not offended and man not rendered 
guilty. 

To commit a mortal sin, it is required, as not 
only the theologians, but the Saints also teach, first, 
that the internal or external act be grievously 
evil, or deemed grievously evil by conscience j sec- 



DIRECTORY FOR THE FIRST BOOK. 



19 



ondly, that, when he does the act or puts the cause 
of the act, the mind do fully advert to the grievous 
evil of the act; thirdly, that the will, knowingly 
and freely, give its consent. If one of these three 
things be wanting, the sin, which would otherwise 
be mortal, is venial. 

No one commits a formal sin in spite of his will : 
for man cannot sin, formally, except by his own free 
will. He can, however, if he so wills, through an 
abuse of his free will, think evil or that which is 
unlawful ; propose or imagine it to himself, give his 
consent thereto, and commit sin. Moreover, the 
demon can, with the Divine permission, and really 
does, cause in him thoughts and imaginations, evil 
ones too, that he may entice him to give the con- 
sent of the will ; but he can never force him to con- 
sent. Finally, God Himself, His good and blessed 
Spirits are wont to suggest thoughts, and to pro- 
pose objects, but always to induce man to good : 
they assist his will to do good, but they never force 
him. 

Whence it appears, that in man there is a triple 
kind of thoughts and emotions ; the first, spring- 
ing from the free will of man himself; the second, 
thrown in from without by the demon, the evil 
spirit ; the third, also suggested from without, but 
by the good Spirit. Now then, " By their reason- 
ings we shall know them : and the suggestion itself 
will make known which spirit it is that speaks" (St. 
Bern.) — The following rules, which the Saints 



20 DIRECTORY FOR THE FIR&r BOOK. 



lay down for the discernment of Spirits, will help 
you to understand this matter: 

I. To them that easily sin mortally, the evil 
spirit is commonly wont to suggest, or propose the 
seeming delights of the flesh, sensual pleasures ; 
that thereby he may hold them more securely in 
his service, and plunge them deeper into sins and 
vices. 

Towards such persons the good Spirit pursues 
the opposite course : he continually stings and dis- 
turbs their conscience ; that he may render them 
conscious of the unhappy state of their soul, may 
deter them from sin, and convert them. 

IT. By deceitful counsel and cunning, the evil 
spirit endeavors to lead man to an inordinate love 
and greediness for riches, or the superfluity of pos- 
sessions, that, afterwards, he may cause him to fall 
more easily into sin. 

But the good Spirit whispers, that the heart 
should be kept free from the inordinate love and 
eagerness for earthly possessions, lest it be entangled 
by them. 

III. The evil spirit allures, presses, persists, in 
order to induce man to aspire to vain honors. 

The good Spirit places before him, and teaches, 
generous humility, the true and safe glory of man. 

IV. To them that perceive the needfulness of 
their devoting themselves to their everlasting sal- 
vation, and who begin seriously to think of securing 
the same, the evil spirit is wont to suggest a cer- 



DIRECTORY FOR THE FIRST BOOK. 21 



tain shame, or human respect, that he may check 
these good beginnings. 

The good Spirit encourages and stimulates them, 
that, spurning all human considerations, they may 
bravely go forward. 

V. To those who are sincerely careful to cleanse 
themselves from faults and vices, and who advance 
more and more in the desire of serving God, the 
evil spirit suggests molestations, scruples, sadness, 
false reasonings, and other annoyances of this kind, 
that thereby he may hinder their progress. 

The good Spirit, on the contrary, is wont to sup- 
ply strength and courage to those that act rightly 
or endeavor to do well, to enlighten their mind, to 
pour in consolation, to give peace and tranquillity, 
that they may ever the more readily and cheerfully, 
by means of good works, continue to make further 
progress. 

VI. With all his might does the evil spirit strive 
that the soul, which he desires to deceive and to 
lead to ruin, do keep secret his wily suggestions. 
He exerts himself, as much as he is able, that his at- 
tempts be not made known to a spiritual director ; 
since he knows that, in this event, he fails in them. 

But the good Spirit loves light and order, be- 
cause he acts fairly, and his works are good. 

VII. The evil spirit is accustomed to conduct 
himself like a commander in war. For as this one 
examines the arrangements, and reconnoitres the 
strength of the citadel which he desires to take, and 



22 



DIRECTORY FOR THE FIRST BOOK. 



assails it on the -weakest side ; so the evil spirit ex 
plores our disposition and all our virtues, both theo- 
logical and moral, and at whatever point he finds 
us weaker, there he is wont to attack and try to 
take us by storm. 

VIII. The evil spirit, the tempter, is wont to 
lose, altogether, his courage and strength, whenever 
he sees his spiritual antagonist, struggling with a 
bold front and unterrified heart against temptations ; 
but, on the contrary, if he perceives that he trem- 
bles, and, as it were, loses courage, there is no wild 
beast on earth more fierce or headstrong against 
man than this same enemy, in order to accomplish 
the desire of his wicked and perverse mind. 

St. Ignat., St. Thom., St, Teresa. 



THE FIRST BOOK. 



ADMONITIONS USEFUL FOR PURIFYING 
THE HEART. 



CHAPTER I. 

THE FOUNDATION. 

1. The voice of Jesus. — Learn of Me because I 
ain meek and humble of Heart; and ye shall find 
rest for your souls. 

The voice of the Disciple. — These are the words 
of Jesus Christ, whereby we are commanded to 
learn and imitate the Yirtues of His Heart, that we 
may be set free from all misery of soul, and be 
made truly happy. 

This is His doctrine, this is the method of learn- 
ing, this is the fruit, this is the end. 

The first inducement to learn is the excellence 
of the Master. What is there more excellent than 
the Son of God, who alone is our Master, appointed 
by His eternal Father, in whom also are all the 
treasures of the wisdom and knowledge of God? 

His doctrine is the truth, surpassing all the arts 
and sciences of this world : it smooths the way not 
to some perishable wealth, some passing pleasures, 
or a short-lived renown : but to boundless riches, 
that cease not to last, to unuttered delights, that 

(23) 



24: 



THE FIRST BOOK. 



are constant, to honors supreme, that endure for- 
ever. 

Whatever He taught us to do, He reduced to one 
lesson : Learn of Me because I am meek and hum- 
ble of Heart : this He adapted to all men, this He 
gives to all, that all may learn the same, the little 
as well as the great ; knowing full well that in this 
precept, if rightly understood and kept, are con- 
tained all things necessary. 

His whole life was the application of this doc- 
trine, which He began to practice, before He taught 
it to others. 

2. Let us learn this short lesson, and we shall be 
wise enough, and sufficiently instructed ; nor shall 
we have to look for any thing more. 

The method of learning consists in action, which 
is performed in two ways : by studying and by 
practicing. 

But first, in order to understand what we strive 
to learn, and reduce to practice what we have un- 
derstood, we must pray earnestly. 

Afterwards, we must diligently revolve in our 
mind the depth, the hight, the breadth of the 
lesson ; keeping unceasingly before our eyes the 
divine likeness of our Master, and examining what 
we ought to amend, what to avoid, what to hold, 
and to what to aspire. 

Lastly, since it is not enough to know, but we 
must also practice, the lesson, as it wholly con- 
sists in action, and can only be perfectly learnt 



CHAPTER I. 



25 



by acting ; we must, as soon as we begin to learn, 
also begin to practice, showing ourselves before 
God and men, meek and humble of heart in thought, 
word and deed. 

And, whilst we progress in understanding and 
practice, we should so labor that the spirit of the 
lesson unfold itself ever more perfectly in the plan 
of our life, in our inmost feelings, in our conversa- 
tions, in our every action, yea, in the very modifi- 
cations of the same. 

3. If, after this manner, we learn what our Lord 
has given us to learn, we shall reap the fruit, 
whereby our zeal and toil shall most certainly be 
rewarded, according to the promise of Him who 
cannot possibly deceive nor be deceived. 

Which is that promised fruit? Of all — the 
most desirable. Ye shall find rest, says He . And 
what is it, to find rest ? 

Nothing less than to find that with which we may 
repose, filled and satisfied ; without any need to seek 
for aught more, and without fear of ever losing it, 
against our will. 

Whoever shall have found this rest, will be truly 
calm and happy : but he that finds it not, whatever 
else he may possess, shall ever be restless and un- 
happy ; because in his heart he is not satisfied, is 
obliged to seek for more, and is ever in danger of 
losing, even against his will, what he has acquired. 

We are all so framed that, by nature, we are com- 
3 



26 



THE FIRST BOOK. 



pelled to covet a blissful repose ; neithe: have we 
it in our power not to desire the same. 

A great blessing ifc doubtless was, that the Lord 
placed within us this awakening desire, this urging 
power ; for, more firmly in action, more gently in 
manner, do we, by its means, pursue that which is 
to make Us happy. 

And although, by the freedom of our will, we 
are enabled to seek rest in a variety of things ; yet 
will this longing of ours, this power, importune and 
drive us onward, until we find the object for the 
seeking and attaining of which this faculty has 
been given to us. 

Christ the Lord, our God, who implanted this 
faculty in our souls, and who would not have given 
us this irresistible faculty without an object, nor 
have given it without the ability of attaining the 
same, — shows us here, where we should seek, and 
how we may find the true object- 
Learn of Me because I am meek and humble of 
Heart, and ye shall find rest. He makes no dis- 
tinction, no exception : we shall then find true 
rest, unalloyed happiness. 

For although our rest, our soul's happiness, as long 
as we dwell here below, cannot be every way complete, 
yet it will be real ; such as the Lord promises, and 
such as has been experienced by numberless Saints, 
who were meek and humble Disciples of the meek 
and humble Jesus. 

We shall truly enjoy that peace, which no out- 



CHAPTER L 



27 



ward enemy can disturb : we shall delight it that 
repose, which no inward agitation can disquiet: 
lastly, we shall possess that divine likeness and 
union, wherein is contained supreme happiness, 
yea, every good here upon earth, and of which no 
one can deprive us, against our will. 

4. Whilst we gather this fruit, we shall, at the 
same time, secure our end, the everlasting bliss of 
our souls. For He says : Ye shall find rest for your 
souls. 

If our souls are ours, they are not ours because 
we created them, since He Himself created us, and 
not we ourselves : but they are ours because He 
gave them to us. In giving them to us, He gave 
them for an end worthy of Himself, that we, — after 
He had done what He ought, which He always 
does, since He is infinitely perfect, — might act 
jointly with Him, and thus gain for our souls a 
blissful and abiding tranquillity. 

This then is the end : everlasting beatitude of the 
soul, intimately connected with the glory of the 
Lord, who, in creating her, had this end in view. 

For if God is full of glory in all His works, how 
glorified must He be, in so great a work as that of 
the salvation of souls exulting forever in triumph, 
and praising Him without ceasing ! 

To attain this end, He helps and strengthens us in 
a thousand ways and by countless means : for this 
He goes before us, as a good father before his 
children, as a guide and companion, pointing out a 



28 



THE FIRST BOOiv 



safe and pleasant way, whilst, at the same time. He 
relieves and refreshes us. 

5. This being so, let us joyously follow so great 
and so good a leader. What can be more honor- 
able for us ? Is it not a great glory to follow the 
Lord ? is it not supreme honor, to be the beloved 
Disciples of His Heart? 

What worldly honor can be imagined, which does 
not become mere emptiness, when compared with 
such a dignity ? 

Nor is there anything more useful, since on it 
depends our soul's rest: our happiness both in time 
and in eternity. Now, this is a matter of such import- 
ance, that alone it deserves our attention ; because, 
without it, all other things are useless and delusive. 

Lastly, it is sweet and easy ; for His commands 
are not heavy ; since He enjoins such things, as 
with the means which He affords, we cannot only 
perform, but from the fulfillment of which no enemy 
of our salvation, no obstacles can hinder us. 

And, if we learn of the very Heart of the Saviour, 
we draw from the sweetest fountain of love ; so that 
we either do not feel the labor, or if we do, we 
so cherish it as to find it easy and delightful. 

Jesus, meek and humble of Heart ! receive me, 
I pray Thee, as Thy Disciple, the Disciple of Thy 
Heart, and grant me to learn diligently of Thee to 
be meek and lowly of heart, that thus I may find 
rest for my soul, to Thy everlasting glory. 



CHAPTER II. 



29 



CHAPTER II. 

THAT NO OBJECT IN THIS WORLD CAN SET OUR 
HEART TRULY AT REST, OR MAKE IT TRULY 
CONTENTED. 

1. The voice of Jesus. — My Child, thou art cre- 
ated for happiness. This experience affirms, this 
reason proves, this faith teaches. 

Thou seekest incessantly for happiness, and thou 
dost well. But leave off seeking thy happiness in 
things created : in them thou shalfc not find it. 

No object of this world can satisfy the longings 
of thy heart ; even shouldst thou alone possess at 
once all things created, thy heart should still be 
empty and wretched. 

Things of this earth awaken the thirst of the 
heart, they cannot allay it : yea, the more thou dost 
possess, the more eagerly shalt thou thirst. 

How canst thou find in creatures that which ex- 
ists not in them ? can any one give what he does 
not possess? 

2. Shalt thou obtain what no mortal was ever 
able to obtain ? Behold, the wisest of men abounded 
in all good things, he was affluent with ever-fresh 
delights, he astonished nations with his boundless 
wealth, he had filled the uttermost lands with the 
renown of his glory. 

Yet, on account of the void of his heart, he is 



30 



THE VIRST BOOK. 



forced to exclaim : Vanity of vanities, and all is 
vanity. 

Grant that thou possess whatever thy heart may 
long for in this world: that thou be lord of the 
whole earth ; that all men do thee honor : try all 
things ; and thou shalt find that thou hast as yet 
found nothing, except vanity and affliction of spirit. 

3. Do not wonder at this, My Child : thy heart 
is not made for this world. Therefore, whatever 
this world contains is unworthy of thy noble des- 
tiny and of thy heart's affection. 

Thou art created for greater things, thou art born 
for things everlasting, thou art destined to things 
without limit. Do not then give thyself up to 
what is low and mean, since thou art made to rule 
forever. 

What could it avail thee to gain the whole world, 
if thou shouldst lose thy soul ? Surely, thou wouldst 
be twice unhappy : here, on account of the wicked 
state of thy conscience, thou wouldst suffer a tor- 
turing agony ; hereafter, thou wouldst have to un- 
dergo misery everlasting. 

Blessed, therefore, is he who spurns whatever 
may mislead the heart ; who nobly casts aside every 
obstacle to true felicity ; who, mindful of his noble 
destiny, seeks happiness above all in his Creator. 

4. The voice of the Disciple. — My God, my Sa- 
viour, Thou didst create me for happiness ; hitherto 
I have not ceased to seek it, stiil I have never yet 
tasted, nor have I ever yet found happiness. 



CHAPTER III. 



31 



My passions were ever and anon crying to me : 
here it is, or there. In my madness, I believed 
thein, and, blinded by my unruly desires, I ran 
hither and thither ; but, instead of the sought-for 
bliss, I found wretchedness, and tasted its bitter- 
ness. 

Ah, wretched me ! created for happiness in Thee, 
my G-od ! I toiled in vain, whilst I sought it in 
creatures outside of Thee ; and behold ! I strayed 
still further away from the bliss for which T was 
created, and I found wretchedness, for which I was 
not made, and perished therein. 

God, my Saviour ! open my eyes, that now I may 
distinctly see this great mistake of mine ; and grant 
that, free from error, I may effectually seek in Thee 
that beatitude which I cannot find in creatures. 



CHAPTER III. 

THAT IN THE HEART OF JESUS OUR HEART MAY 
FIND TRUE REST, UNALLOYED FELICITY. 

1. The voice of Jems. — My Child, if thou desir- 
est to attain true felicity, render thy whole heart 
similar and conformable to My Heart. 

In My Heart thou shalt find peace and tranquil- 
lity, which the world cannot give nor take away. 

If once thou hadst entered perfectly into the in- 
terior of My Heart, thou wouldst thence behold all 



32 



THE FIRST BOOK. 



things earthly, such as they are in themselves, not 
as they are esteemed by the foolish worshipers of 
the world. 

Then thou wouldst free thyself from the irksome 
and unnecessary care of creatures, and think nothing 
worthy of thyself, except what is truly good. 

2. Now, thy heart, subject to continual fluctua- 
tion, changes seven times a day, so that at one time 
it is glad, at another sad ; now calm, then troubled ; 
again inflamed with the love of creatures, and again 
wearied with the emptiness of them ; sometimes it 
glows with fervor, and next it falls into lukewarm- 
ness, and thus, like the sea, it is ever changing. 

But, if thy heart were united with Mine, a great 
and enduring calm would suddenly ensue. 

For, safe in thy union with My Heart, as in a 
harbor of protection, thou shouldst be enabled to 
remain ever the same and unshaken ; secure against 
change, whether the winds of adversity, or of pros- 
perity, were blowing. 

If thou art sheltered in My Heart, no enemy 
shall hurt thee. The devil, indeed, runs about, 
seeking whom he may destroy ; and many does he 
drag into destruction : but thee he shall not ap- 
proach, nor shall he disturb thy peace. 

3. Oh! if thou wouldst acknowledge the divine 
gift ! Oh ! if thou wert willing to know, what good 
things lie hidden therein ! It does truly contain ail 
that is needed for thy felicity. 

Continual peace, undisturbed security, true joy 



CHAPTER III. 



33 



of heart is the portion of all those that love My 
Heart, and make their abode within the same. 

Of what avail are riches, honor, yea the greatest 
delights, if the heart be not satisfied and at rest? 
&.nd what can the whole world give, except rest- 
lessness and sickliness of heart '? 

Wretched therefore shalt thou be, whatever thou 
mayst possess, until thou shalt rest in Me, who 
alone can give thee all. 

4. The voice of the Disciple. — Experience has 
taught me this, Lord ; for in all things have I 
sought peace, and nothing have I found except 
trouble upon trouble. 

Thou clidst assuredly will, for Thy own sake, as 
well as for ours, that our heart should find peace in 
Thee alone. For Thou, Lord, didst make our 
heart for Thyself : and restless and unhappy must 
it be, until it repose in Thee. 

Heart of Jesus most sweet ! Thou the delight 
of the most Holy Trinity ! Thou the joy of the 
Angels and Saints ! most blissful Paradise of 
souls ! what can I wish outside of Thee, since in 
Thee is all that I can and must desire ? 

In Thee, heaven has its beatitude ; in Thee, the 
earth its felicity : since, then, Thou art the bliss of 
all, why shouldst Thou not also be mire ? 

Yes, indeed, sweetest Heart of my Jesus ! 
Thou art my repose, Thou art my bliss for ever- 
more. 



34 



THE FIRST BOOK. 



CHAPTER IV. 

THiT IT IS NECESSARY FOR SALVATION, TO IMI- 
TATE THE HEART OF JESUS. 

1. The voice of Jesus. — My Child, one thing 
above all others is necessary, to save thy soul. 
For if she is lost, all is lost ; but if she is saved, all 
else is saved. 

Yet, thou shalt not attain thy eternal salvation, 
if thou do not imitate My Heart. 

For those whom God did foreknow, He also did 
predestinate to be conformed to the image of His 
Son. 

Which is this image of the Son of God, where- 
unto all those that will be saved are to be con 
formed, if it be not My Heart? 

It is not given to every one, to imitate My out- 
ward actions ; nor does it depend on man to do the 
wonderful works, which I have wrought. 

Besides, by reason of the diversity of men's con- 
ditions in life, all cannot follow My exterior man- 
ner of living: but the interior dispositions of My 
Heart can be imitated by all, the great and the 
small, the learned and the ignorant, in whatever 
condition they may live. 

If then thou desirest to be saved, be conformed 
to My Heart; and do thou reproduce in thy heart, 
whatever sentiments animate Mine. 

2. Though thou shouldst distribute thy possessions 



CHAPTER IV. 



85 



among the poor ; though thou shouldst give up thy 
body to the greatest penances ; though thou 
shouldst understand all mysteries ; though thou 
shouldst work astonishing miracles ; if thy heart 
be not after the likeness of Mine, thou art nothing, 
and all those things shall avail thee nothing forever. 

By the likeness of thy heart to Mine art thou to 
be judged, and thence is thy eternal state to be de- 
termined. 

But, at the judgment, many will say : Lord, have we 
not in Thy name prophesied ? have we not cast out 
devils? have we not wrought many wonders? And 
I will say to them : I know you not: do ye see the 
wounds which ye have inflicted ? Do ye recognize 
the Side, which ye have pierced, and which for 
your sake remained open; yet ye would not enter 
into the same ? 

Whatever, therefore, thou mayst do, it avails thee 
nothing, unless thou do it according to My Heart. 

3. Not the outward appearance of piety, but a 
devoted heart makes a man truly good, and dear to 
Me. 

Thou wilt place thy salvation in security, in pro- 
portion as thou dost conform thy heart to My 
Heart. 

Do for thy salvation whatever thou art capable 
of doing: no zeal can be too great, when an eter- 
nity is at stake. 

When thou art about teo die, thou shalt find that 
everything is lost, whatsoever thou mayst have 



30 



THE flllST BOOK. 



done ; unless thou didst direct it to Me, and to thy 
salvation. 

If, then, thy everlasting salvation is of the greatest 
importance, remember, as much as thy salvation is 
worth, so much is the Imitation of My Heart to be 
prized. 

4. The voice of the Disciple. eternal salvation, 
of the soul ! important affair, thou alone art to me 
supremely necessary ! Why am I in this world if 
not to save my soul ? Why was I redeemed, why 
furnished with so many means, why loaded with 
divine favors, if it was not that I might, with more 
ease and pleasure, secure my soul's salvation? 

But. alas ! I did not yet begin earnestly, that for 
which I am placed in this world. Ransomed as I 
was, I sold myself again into a more disgraceful 
slavery, and perished by misusing the very means 
and blessings, whereby I might so easily have 
secured my salvation and my happiness. 

Lord my God ! Thou couldst most justly have 
permitted that I should perish forever, and suifer 
that never-ending destruction, which my wickedness 
and the wasting of Thy gifts have deserved for me. 

Yet, since the infinite go-oclness of Thy Heart did 
not allow this ; nay more, since hy a new and ex- 
ceedingly great blessing, Thou hast induced me to 
value and love the salvation of my soul ; I will no 
longer be ungrateful, I will no longer expose my 
soul to everlasting ruin. 

1 resolve and promise to co-operate with Thy 



CHAPTER V. 37 

Heart's most sweet designs of saving my soul, and 
rendering her forever happy. 



CHAPTER V. 

THAT ALL OUR PERFECTION CONSISTS IN IMITAT- 
ING THE HEART OE JESUS. 

% The voice of Jesus. — My Child, all thy perfec- 
tion consists in thy resemblance to My divine 
Heart. 

For My Heart, which is the Heart of the Word 
of God, is the standard of all virtues, is holiness 
itself. 

Whoever, therefore, imitates My Heart, imitates 
God, his Saviour, perfection itself. 

Now, since My Heart is the model of sanctity 
and the source of every grace, thou shalt learn of 
My Heart, what it behooves thee to do, that thou 
mayst render thyself holy ; and thou shalt draw 
thence the necessary strength to effect this. 

If, then, thou wilt become perfect, imitate My 
Heart : the more conformed thou art to It, the 
more perfect shalt thou be. 

2. My Heart is humble : humility is the founda- 
tion of true sanctity. 

If thou do not learn humility of My Heart, thou 
shalt never possess this virtue; nor shalt thou know 
aught of it except the name. 

And if thou build the structure of perfection 



38 



THE FIRST BOOK. 



upon aug.it else, it cannot be solid ; and it shall be 
overthrown by the least breath of wind, and great 
shall be the fall thereof. 

Moreover, My Heart is meek, full of charity : 
now, charity is the perfection of holiness. 

But thy heart shall never be inflamed with 
charity, unless it be enkindled by that fire of love, 
wherewith My Own is burning. 

Woe to thee, if thou enkindlest thy heart with 
any strange fire ! thou wilt indeed burn, but for thy 
destruction. 

3. Thou shalt never acquire solid virtues, nor 
attain true sanctity, except by imitating My Heart. 

Whatever signs of virtue thou mayst display, 
how devout soever thou mayst appear : so long as 
thy heart does not imitate Mine, all thy piety shall 
be nothing more, than a mask thrown over thy 
features. 

There is no hope of perfection, unless thou pro- 
pose to thyself My Heart as a pattern of perfec- 
tion. 

4. So it has been from the beginning of the 
world. For, in the Old Law, it was foretold and 
known of what sort My Heart would be ; and no 
one was numbered with the Elect, unless he had 
foreshadowed in his heart the qualities ot My future 
Heart. 

And from the beginning of the Church to the 
present time, My Heart was ever the sanctification 
of the Apostles, the fortitude of Martyrs, the con- 



CHAPTER V. 



39 



stancy of Confessors, the purity of Virgins, the 
perseverance of the Just, in short, the perfection 
of all the Saints. 

Therefore, take courage, My Child, follow My 
Heart, whithersoever I may lead thee : the more 
closely thou shalt follow the same, the nearer thou 
shalt come to complete perfection. 

On the Imitation of My Heart depends the en- 
tire fulfillment of the Law, all sanctity. 

The constant endeavor of imitating My Heart, 
is a sure sign of predestination. 

5. The poice of the Disciple. — sweet Jesus, 
fountain of life and grace ! arouse me, help me to 
understand and imitate Thy Heart, the standard 
of virtue, the pattern of sanctity. 

Free my heart from every illusion, from every 
obstacle : grant, that with a guileless and pure 
heart, I may seek Thee ; that I may make Thy 
interior thoughts, the feelings of Thy Heart, my 
own ; that I may make myself inwardly similar to 
Thee. 

Alas ! Lord, how unlike in heart am I to 
Thee ! How little have I hitherto labored to por- 
tray the life of Thy Heart by my own ! 

Would that I had not struggled to estrange my 
heart and turn it away from Thine ! blindness ! 
madness of my soul ! 

Have Thou pity on me, Lord Jesus ! have pity 
on me, according to the great mercy of Thy Heart. 

How many there are, who have not lived so long, 



40 



THE FIRST BOOK 



nor had so many means, and yet have sanctified 
themselves by becoming fervent Disciples of Thy 
Heart ! And I have not yet begun to be holy : I 
am still a sinner ! 

It is time, Lord, it is time to begin the work 
of my sanctification, which I have so long neglected. 

This arouses me, this spurs me on, that I can 
yet be made holy, that I can yet become the Dis- 
ciple of Thy Heart, that I can yet be marked with 
that most joyous sign of predestination. 

Cheer me up, Jesus most kind, give help, give 
courage : behold, now I begin. 



CHAPTER VI. 

THAT WHOEVER DESIRES TO IMITATE THE HEART 
OP JESUS, MUST PURIFY HIS OWN HEART. 

1. The voice of Jesus. — My Child, if thou wilt en- 
ter into the intimacy of My Heart, and taste the 
unutterable sweetness of Its intercourse, cleanse 
thy heart from every evil. 

For I, thy Well-beloved, am pure and stainless, 
I delight Myself among the lilies. 

How could there exist a union betwixt My Heart 
and thine, unless thou hadst carefully purified it? 

For who shall accuse My Heart of sin ? And 
how canst thou say : My heart is clean; since thy 
heart itself is conscious of the contrary? 



CHAPTER VI. 



4-1 



Alas ! My Child, what a heart is thine ! Born in 
sin, so long an abode of evil spirits, defiled and dis- 
figured by so many stains, strongly drawn to evil 
and sadly estranged from supernal good ; fostering 
so many ill-regulated affections, the fruitful sources 
of sin, full of itself and of the world, accustomed, 
for the most part, to have itself in all things for its 
ultimate object. 

2. Wonderful indeed is it, that thou darest in- 
vite Me to enter into such a heart, and to reside 
amid such uncleanness. 

A wicked heart is to Me an object of abhorrence, 
but an unclean heart I loathe : how then could it 
delight Me to dwell therein ? 

I seek a pure heart, and all My delight is to 
dwell therein ; and to be there entertained among 
lilies. 

Whoever, therefore, loves cleanness of heart, shall 
enjoy My presence, and shall experience the ten- 
derness, and divine sweetness of My Heart. 

3. Be not deceived, My Child, thinking that it is 
well with thee, provided thou dost outwardly de- 
port thyself in a proper manner, since I look chiefly 
at the heart. 

And what will it avail thee to have been pleasing, 
by thy outward conduct, to all creatures, if, by thy 
inward dispositions, thou hast been displeasing to 
Me? 

If thy heart is stainless, then shalt thou be 
wholly pure : since it is from the heart that pro- 
4 



42 



THE FIRST BOCK. 



ceed evil thoughts, uncleanness, fraud, blasphemy, 
and all manner of evil. 

Purify thy heart, therefore, and nothing shall 
hinder thee from being sweetly united to My 
Heart, and from tasting the fullness of Its de- 
lights. 

But, if only outwardly thou turn away from evil, 
if thou do not root out sin from thy heart, thou 
shalt never be free from vices : they shall sprout 
forth with ten times greater vigor from within, than 
thou shalt be able to shun from without ; and, whilst 
thou appearest to stand firm, thou shalt sink be- 
neath the weight of inward evils. 

4. Come then, My Child, prepare a neat dwelling- 
place for Me in thy heart, and I, when I come, will 
be wholly thine, and thou shalt be wholly Mine ; 
and there shall exist a wonderful intimacy between 
us, and a union known only to those who have tried 
it by experience. 

Be of good courage, and begin forthwith this 
ali-important work : thou canst feel no true joy, un- 
til thou finish it entirely. 

Fear of trouble hinders many from perfectly pu- 
rifying their hearts. 

This is a device of the enemy : the wily foe, — 
Knowing that on a true and thorough cleansing of 
the heart depends not thy salvation and perfection 
alone, but also that of others, and, above all, My 
glory, — strives, by every means, to keep thee from 
this undertaking. 



CHAPTER VI. 



43 



Give no heed to the suggestions of the crafty 
schemer, who cares not. whether it be by true or 
false means, that he attains his object. 

Do thou pray, ask for divine grace ; with this, 
set about thy work bravely ; and thou shalt see that 
all difficulties vanish before thy greatness of spirit ; 
and, to thy astonishment, thou shalt find, that where 
thou didst look for the greatest hardships, there 
shalt thou meet the greatest consolations. 

5. The voice of tlie Disciple. — I beg and beseech 
Thee, Lord, create a clean heart in me, and renew 
a right spirit in my interior. 

My whole heart is defiled with uncleanness : and, 
from the heart, infection has spread over the powers 
of my soul, and over the senses of my body. Alas! 

Lord! what is there in me without blemish, or 
altogether pure ? 

Send forth, I beseech Thee, the light of Thy 
grace, and illumine my mind ; that I may know, and 
bewail, all the evil I have done, and the good which 

1 have neglected. 

how I regret, sweetest Jesus, that I ha/tj dis- 
honored Thy dwelling-place in so unworthy a man- 
ner, that I have displeased Thee, that I have sad- 
dened Thy Heart! I grieve, my supreme Good : 
I lament and abhor all my sins : I avow my malice 
and my ungratefulness : I implore the mercy of 
Thy Heart. 

Lord, if Thou wilt, Thou canst make me clean : 
wash me from my iniquity, aud cleanse me from njy 



44 



THE FIRST BOOK. 



sin. Yea, from hidden offenses, and from those not 
my own, purify my heart. 

Come, Jesus, enter my heart, and make for Thy- 
self a scourge with the cords of holy fear, of lively 
gratitude, and of pure love, and drive out all them 
that defile this Thy dwelling. 

Behold, henceforth I will give admittance to none 
of them: Thy house shall be called a house of 
prayer : in it, I will worship Thee ; in it, I will love 
Thee ; in it, I will occupy myself with Thee alone. 



CHAPTER VII. 

THAT OUR HEART MUST ESPECIALLY BE CLEAN 
FROM MORTAL SIN, THE GREATEST OP EVILS. 

1. The voice of Jesus. — Look thou, My Child, lest 
in thy heart there be that sin which causeth the 
death of the soul. 

How canst thou love, or darest thou receive, as a 
guest, into thy heart, thy deadly foe ; who, when ad- 
mitted, will, without doubt, make thee the slave of 
hell, the most wretched of men ; yea, more base 
than the irrational beings themselves. 

How many there are who exclaim : Alas ! what 
evils ravage the earth ! Yet sin is the only evil, 
and there is none other besides. 



CHAPTER VII. 



45 



x\void sin, and whatever may befall thee, it will 
turn to thy advantage. 

2. It is marvelous, that a being, gifted with reason, 
should, of its own accord, commit sin, which, in its 
very nature, is so unbecoming and detestable, that, 
even were there no heaven nor hell, it ought to be 
shunned on account of its inherent foulness. 

If thou considerest the infinite majesty of Him 
that is offended, and the infinite meanness of the 
one offending ; thou wilt understand, that sin is in 
some sort an infinite evil. 

Whoever sins mortally, assails God, and would 
do away with God Himself, if that were possible : 
nor is it for want of will, on the part of the sinner, 
that the God of heaven and earth is not destroyed. 

3. So great an evil is sin, that, in order to de- 
stroy this hell-born monster, and to satisfy the di- 
vine justice, I, the Son of the Most High, must 
needs come down from My throne of Majesty, and 
being made man, suffer during life a ceaseless mar- 
tyrdom, and, at last, writhing in agony, expire upon 
a cross. 

Alas ! wretched man, how canst thou love to do 
that, which has cost Me so much '? Or how canst 
thou be willing, for a moment's pleasure, to renew 
all My toils, My sufferings, and My most bitter 
death ? 

When thou sinnest mortally, thou makest thy- 
self guilty of a far more grievous crime than the 
Jews, My torturers. For these, had they known 



46 



THE FIRST BOOK. 



Me as tlie Lord of eternal glory, would never have 
put Me to death. But thou, thou k newest Me : yea, 
knowest who, and how good I am, and knowest this 
by the experience of My favors. 

4. Was it not by My charity alone, that I not 
only created, redeemed, and preserved thee ; but 
that I ever protected, guided, and cherished thee 
more kindly than the most tender-hearted parent ? 

Whatever thou art, whatever thou hast, I have 
given thee, and, over and above all, I have given 
thee My own Self : and is this the return which 
thou makest ? 

Behold, if thou throwest to an animal, devoid of 
reason, a morsel of the meanest food, it shows thee 
gratefulness, as much as it is able. But I have 
bestowed upon thee boundless favors, and, in return, 
thou perseeutest Me, even unto the death ! Reflect, 
then, what shouldst thou think of thyself? 

5. child of My everlasting love ! whom I have 
loved more than My life, sin thou no more. 

If thou lovest Me, yea, if thou lovest thyself, flee 
from sin. 

For, whenever thou committest a mortal sin, thou 
diest in a supernatural manner ; thou losest what- 
ever merits thou didst possess; thou dost forfeit 
thy right to the heavenly inheritance; thou be- 
comest a co-heir with the devils ; thou givest the 
preference to misery over bliss, to hell over heaven, 
to Satan over Me. 



CHAPTER VII. 



47 



Meditate upon these things, My Child, that thou 
mayst learn fully, as far as the human mind can 
understand, how great an evil sin is ; and that thou 
mayst shun that, which alone can make thee 
wretched for evermore. 

6. The voice of the Disciple. — my soul ! behold 
sin ! Truly the greatest of evils, that places man 
below the brute, blocks up the gates of heaven, 
throws open the abyss of hell. monster to be 
abhorred, a thousand times more frightful than the 
demon himself! 

my God ! I blush to own it, and disown it I can- 
not, I have become the vilest slave of sin, and by 
the greatest madness, the greatest ingratitude, the 
greatest malice ; with it, and by it, I have again and 
again insulted Thy dread Majesty, before which the 
awe-struck Angels tremble with reverence. 

1 feel wholly confounded, because I have become 
viler than any irrational creature ; I have done ini- 
quity, which my reason disapproved, and I have 
misused all the powers of my soul, all the senses 
of my body. 

7. Lord my Grod ! Thou didst establish in me 
Thy sweet likeness; and I, after having denied the 
same, have substituted in its stead the horrid image 
of Satan ; yea, in various ways, I have rendered 
myself even more horrible than the devil. 

fie sinned through pride, when no punishment 
had yet been inflicted for sin ; I sinned knowing, 
but disregarding Thy vengeance : he was placed in 



48 



THE FIRST BOOK 



innocence but once; I was restored to it so many 
times: he rose up against Him who made him — I 
against Him, who also remade me. 

Most wretched sinner that I am ; for nothing, yea, 
for an object baser than nothing, I have voluntarily 
cast aside Thy friendship, the blissful peace of my 
soul, the right to eternal beatitude ; I have deliv- 
ered myself up, as a hapless slave, to the devil ; thus 
sharing from this time his unhappy condition, and 
ready to partake of his never-ending torments, un- 
less, returning to my senses, I find mercy in Thy 
Heart. 

8. I acknowledge, Lord Jesus, that I am un- 
worthy to find that mercy, which I have so often 
abused : I am not worthy to serve Thee, since I 
have become the slave of the devil. If Thou wilt 
treat me as I deserve, hell must be my abode. 

Yet, Jesus, my Saviour! there is infinite mercy 
in Thy Heart : my very sins show this : for unless 
Thy mercy were infinite, Thou wouldst never have 
tolerated the infinite malice of my sins. 

Jesus! have pity on me, according to Thy 
great mercy. A suppliant, I implore forgiveness; 
I hope that Thou wilt pardon me, a wretched sin- 
ner. I am sincerely sorry for the sins I. have com- 
mitted, and I firmly resolve to serve Thee faithfully 
henceforth, and to love Thee fervently. 



CHAPTER VIII. 



49 



CHAPTER VIII. 

THAT OUR HEART MUST ALSO BE FREE FROM THE 
LEAST SIN. 

1. The voice of Jesus. — My Child, cleanse thy 
heart from every fault : and keep thyself carefully 
from the stain of even the least sin. 

There is nothing, there can be nothing, for the 
sake of which it is allowed to commit a sin, how- 
ever light. 

Wherefore, although thou mightst thereby save 
the whole world from ruin, it would be unlawful to 
offend Me, even in the least thing, since I am in- 
finitely more excellent than the whole universe. 

Some guard themselves against grievous offenses, 
but of light faults they render themselves guilty 
without scruple ; a clear sign that they are rather 
governed by self-love, than by love for Me. 

Deluded souls ! they will learn, at their cost, how 
greatly they have deceived themselves. 

2. Whoever overlooks little things, will gradu- 
ally fail in great ones : and, having accustomed 
himself to think every thing little, he will still 
fancy, that all is well with him; when, without much 
uneasiness of conscience, he commits great sins. 

In his folly, he finds it delightful to walk on the 
brink of the precipice : yet, it will come to pass, and 
that justly too, that, at the first slip of his foot, he 
is thrown headlong into the abyss. 
5 



50 



THE FIRST BOOK. 



Beware, therefore, of venial trespasses, lest thou 
fail into mortal sins. 

As long as thou yieldest, even to the slightest 
fault, so long wilt thou expose thy salvation to 
danger. 

3. Many seem heartily to abhor the renewal of 
My death by mortal sin ; and yet, they cease not, 
by small offenses, to load My Heart with bitterness, 
and afflict It with continued sorrows. 

Ah ! My Child, consider again and again, and 
carefully attend to what thou art doing. For, 
whilst thou art willing to inflict a small wound on 
My Heart, perhaps thou shalt mistake, as has hap- 
pened to many, and thou shalt pierce My Heart 
with a mortal blow. 

perverseness of the human heart ! Many dread 
more to give offense to the meanest of men, than 
to Me, their God and Saviour. 

4. So long as thou continuest to sin, even slightly, 
thou shalt be ill at ease; nor shalt thou taste true 
happiness. 

If thou hast thy perfection at heart, as it be- 
hooves, unless thou avoidest every voluntary sin, 
thou shalt labor in vain, whatever efforts thou mayst 

make. 

For, venial sin lessens charity, brings on luke- 
warmness, viciates acts of virtue, obstructs the 
sources of special grace: and, finally, despoiling, by 
degrees ; the soul of her possessions, leaves her 
empty. 



CHAPTER VIII. 



51 



5. And for what is it, in most cases, that man 
exposes himself to evils so numerous, and so great? 
is it not for self-interest, or for self-gratification ? 

But consider, how great a loss will ensue, and 
how severely thou shalt have to suffer in purgatory. 

There, torments are undergone, which far exceed 
all the pains of this world, and all the ills of life : 
nor shalt thou go thence, until thou hast paid the 
last farthing. 

How exceedingly shalt thou then deplore, that 
thou didst commit even the smallest offense, on ac- 
count of which thou perceivest, too late, alas ! that 
thou art excluded from heaven, and most sorely tor- 
mented ? 

Do not, My Child, render useless My Heart's 
desires and endeavors of making thee happy ; neither 
be thou so thoughtless as to choose to be unhappy, 
in spite of Me. 

6. The voice of the Disciple. — Venial sin, Lord, 
is then no small evil, since it offends Thy divine 
Majesty, wounds Thy Heart, deprives the soul of 
special graces and helps, hinders her progress, 
viciates her good deeds, prepares the way for her 
destruction, exposes her to the danger of everlast- 
ing perdition, and excludes her from heaven. 

And evils so great, I have deemed small ! 
what madness was mine ! And, what is worse, I 
have committed them without number, without 
measure. My transgressions have exceeded all 
bounds. 



52 



THE FIRST BOCK. 



Where are the limits ? Behold ! as many powers 
of the soul, and senses of the body as there are in me, 
so many kinds of sin: as many gifts and favors, so 
many faults of misuse or ungratefulness : as many 
species of employments, so many sorts of offenses. 
Alas ! amongst all my actions, even those of re- 
ligion or of piety, which is the one wherein Thou 
findest not some short-coming? 

my soul, we commit so many faults through 
want of attention, by surprise, and through frailty ; 
ought not these to suffice ? Should we add greater 
ones through carelessness, through the abuse of our 
free-will, through malice ? 

Is this the return we make to the Lord, by 
whose goodness we live, to whose love we owe 
whatever we are and possess ! 

7. Lord God, my Saviour ! that I have not 
perished beneath the weight and multitude of my 
offenses, this I acknowledge is altogether due to the 
kindness of Thy Heart : yea, to Thy Heart's mercy 
it is owing, Lord, that I have not been utterly 
destroyed. 

1 have been lowered to the dust : my strength 
has forsaken me ; darkness has overspread me : my 
heart itself has grown faint within me. Lo ! ever 
deeper have I sunk, and, through very weariness, I 
am now unable to extricate myself. 0, how great 
is my misery ! 

O 1 who shall give water to my eyes, and strength 



CHAPTER IX. 



53 



to my heart, that I may weep, arid uove Thee, 
Lord, to set me free ! 

Have pity on me, good Jesus ! and deliver me : 
cleanse and renew me wholly. 

Inflame my heart with the love of Thy Heart : 
with Its divine fire do Thou consume my offenses : 
n-or keep them for the fire of purgatory. Here, I 
beseech Thee, here let me burn and be cleansed in 
the fire of Thy sweet love ; not there in the fire of 
avenging flames. 

Behold ! most sweet Jesus, love for Thee will 
now make me do, what fear has hitherto been unable 
to effect : through love for Thee, I will shun every 
sin, even the slightest. 



CHAPTER IX. 

THAT THE HEART OF THE SINNER CAN TASTE ONLY 
THE BITTERNESS OF MISERY. 

1. The voice of Jesus. — Well-beloved, if thou 
hast come to this, that thy heart has nothing where- 
with to reproach thee, rejoice, yea rejoice, because 
peace, like a stream of bliss, is thine. 

A good heart makes the soul happy, gladdens 
heaven, terrifies hell. But a wicked heart fills the 
sinner with wretchedness, moves the Saints with 
pity, inspires the demons with fiendish joy and ex- 
ultation. 

Picture to thyself all the possible calamities of 



54 



THE FIRST BOOK. 



this world j thou shalt never be abl to imagine 
misfortunes so great, as those which the sinner 
bears in his heart. 

How hard, how abject, is the slavery of the sin- 
ner ! with how many chains, and how tightly lies 
he fettered beneath the yoke of the basest masters, 
the demon and his own tyrannical passions ! 

His understanding is bound with the chain of a 
dull ignorance, so that he may not see the truth : 
his will is chained with the fetters of an accursed 
malice, that he may not love goodness. 

His senses are riveted with the fetters of concu- 
piscence, that he may not follow righteousness : he 
is pressed down by the weight of the chains of his 
passionate desires, that he may not gain the sweet 
freedom of grace. 

2. Who is more foolish than the sinner, who is 
himself the cause of his deepest degradation ? 

If, on earth, there be a foretaste of hell, it is 
surely in the heart of the wicked ; who, inflamed 
with the fire of his passions, suffers all the tortures 
of an evil conscience. 

How can he ever truly rejoice, who knows that, 
were the slender thread of life broken, he should 
be hurled into the depths of hell ? 

Verily, I know not how he dares betake himself 
to his nightly rest, who knows not whether he 
shall not awake in eternity as a reprobate ? 

3. The human heart necessarily strives after 
happiness : but, blindly hurried away by a mind 



CHAPTER IX. 



55 



unbridled and unsubdued, the sinner seeks happi- 
ness there, where only greater misery can be found. 

Some seem to imagine that they may be able to 
satisfy their passions, by gratifying them com- 
pletely ; and that, when they are sated, then, at last, 
peace will come. Alas ! how great an error ! 

For who, in order to put out a conflagration, will 
cast fresh fuel on the fire ? Would he not, by so 
doing, rather increase than extinguish it ? 

Even so, if a man should sacrifice to his passions 
the salvation of his soul, and the health of his body ; 
unstated still, they would exclaim : Thine we are, 
give us food. 

Oh, were the heart of the sinner exposed, what 
wretchedness, what disgustful objects might be 
descried therein ! Yet all things are open and visi- 
ble to Me, who cannot err, and whom men cannot 
deceive. 

4. A heart given to evil habits, sometimes goes 
so far that it no longer fancies, loves, or relishes 
anything, except what may gratify the passions : 
and, although it knows that it is hurrying on to an 
abyss of misery, yet it heeds not, but, like a sense- 
less beast, it runs after its lusts, trampling under 
foot, not the good things of eternity alone, but also 
decency, and honor, and life itself. 

The sinner needs no enemy to hurt or torment 
him : he himself is his own greatest enemy, and 
most cruel torturer. 

Even from the things with which he seeks to 



56 



THE FIRST BOOK. 



delight and gratify himself, he is wont to receive 
manifold tortures. 

5. How can he enjoy peace, who nourishes within 
himself the cause of his disturbance ? or how can 
he even once breathe freely, who is the slave of the 
devil ? 

How unhappy must he be, who allows Satan to 
seat himself on the throne of his heart, and to be 

lord and master therein ! 

Blessed is he, that has never experienced the 
slavery of the devil ! that has never groaned be- 
neath the weight of the shackles of sin ! 

My Child, if thou hast never yet felt the wretch- 
edness of the state of sin, rejoice thou with thy 
whole heart, and never seek to know what it is to 
serve the devil. 

But if, unfortunately, thou art his subject, have 
pity on thy soul ; eagerly cast off his yoke, burst 
his chains, enjoy the freedom of the children of 
God. 

6. The voice of the Disciple. — Lord ! how 
great is the wretchedness of the state of sin ! How 
truly unhappy is the soul, that languishes in this 
most pitiful state ! what peace, what joy can she 
possess, when she has Thee, the Almighty and All- 
knowing One, for an enemy ! when she knows her- 
self banished from Thy Heart, her last place of 
refuge ! when she is conscious that at any moment 
she may be plunged into fire everlasting. 

How truly unhappy, when she cannot look up to 



CHAPTER IX. 



57 



heaven, without seeing that she hai lost all right to 
the same ! when she cannot look around her, with- 
out being upbraided, and without being terrified at 
every accident ! when she cannot even cast down 
her eyes, without being silently reminded, that hell 
is her dwelling-place ! 

How truly unhappy, when she cannot turn to 
her own heart, without finding Satan therein ! 
without being tortured therein as in a hell tasted 
beforehand, where there is nothing joyous, nothing 
cousoling ; but everywhere horror, and darkness, 
and dread, and torments. 

mo3t wretched soul ! how changed from what 
thou wast, when, adorned with celestial grace, en- 
nobled by divine adoption, thou wast so fair, so 
great, as to be an object of wonder to the Saints and 
Angels ! 

How disfigured by sin ! how abject ! how base 
under every aspect ! 

7. Jesus ! would that I were able, even at the 
price of my blood, to undo what has unfortunately 
been done ! would that I had never fallen into so 
great a wretchedness, but that I had rather lost my 
life instead of Thy grace ! 

blessed are they, that have never lost their 
innocence ! that have never experienced the misery 
of the state of sin ! 

Restore to me, I entreat Thee, my first garment: 
give me back my innocence : and lo ! in the new- 



58 



THE FIRST BOOK. 



ness of life I will so serve Thee, as to preserve it 
stainless for Thee all my days, even to the end. 



CHAPTER X. 

THAT THE HEART OF JESUS INVITES ALL, EVEN 
SINNERS. 

1. The voice of Jesus. — Come to Me, all ye that 
labor and are burdened, and I will refresh you. 

He that is just, let him come, that he may be 
made still more just : he that is lukewarm, let him 
come, that he may become fervent : he that is a 
sinner, let him come, that he may be cleansed and 
made holy. 

Alas for human frailty ! Where is the man» 
that has not sinned? For, whosoever shall say, 
that he has no sin, deceives himself, and the truth 
is not in him. 

2. My Child, if thou feelest thyself burdened 
with sins, or troubled with defects, hasten to My 
Heart : here thou shalt be made free ; here thou 
shalt breathe again. 

Let not the greatness of thy sins hinder thee, 
nor the grandeur of My Majesty : I came not to 
call the just to repentance, but sinners. 

The greater the miseries to which thou art sub- 
ject, the greater the pity I feel for thee : and the 
more thou art ill. the greater need thou hast of a 
physician. 



CHAPTER X. 



59 



I am not astonished at thy infirmities; for I know 
thy frame and thy heart. That thou didst not fall 
into greater evils, thou owest chiefly to My grace. 

But at this I wonder, that, when I present My- 
self to heal thee, thou art unwilling to be healed ; 
or, if thou art willing, thou seeiuest to doubt My 
goodness. 

Ah ! My Child, do not offer this most bitter insult 
to My Heart. For My Heart loves to forgive, and 
does not grow weary with pardoning. 

Behold, with what kindness I treat truly re- 
pentant sinners, so that I have even been called the 
friend of sinners. 

3. Where is the heart, that loves as My Heart ? 
No man has a greater love, than that he lay down 
his life for his friends ; but I, the Son of God, have 
a greater one than this, for I laid down My life for 
My enemies. 

Who ever loved Me first? or who ever bestowed 
his affections upon Me, who did not first experience 
the effects of my love? 

4. Since many lose their innocence, before they 
understand clearly what innocence is, or how great 
its price, it is a great glory of My Heart, to tri- 
umph also over their hearts; and of sinners to make 
them Saints. 

didst thou but know the charity of My Heart? 
thou mightst then be able to understand, how 
dearly It loves faithful souls, and how sweetly It 
invites sinners. 



60 



THE FIRST BOOK. 



Who is suffering, and My Heart is not suffering 
with him ? Who sins, and My Heart is not thereby 
affected ? Who is ill, and My Heart does not 
afford a remedy ? Who is unhappy, and My Heart 
does not feel it ? Who, in fine, is there in the 
world, to whom My Heart does no good ? 

5. I am a good Father ; and My children, be- 
gotten on the cross, I embrace with the love of My 
Heart — which remains open for them, that, at all 
times, they may have a place of refuge, nor this a 
common one, but the very centre of My affections. 

Whilst they sleep, My Heart is awake to watch 
over them ; whilst they are watching, It is occupied 
with their preservation. 

So great is the love wherewith My Heart is in- 
flamed for them, that I love and cherish each, as 
if he were My only one. 

And if some one, misled by the enemy, wanders 
away, My Heart wails over him, as over the death 
of an only-born. I pursue him with My love, I in- 
vite, I press, I promise. But if he be unwilling 
to hearken to Me, I have patience, I stand at the 
door of his heart, and knock again and again. 

If, at last, he resolves to return to Me ; I fly to 
meet him, I press him to My bosom, whilst My 
Heart leaps for joy ; because I see the child, whom 
I had bewailed as dead, alive ar.d safely restored 
to Me. 

In My joy j I call together all heaven, that they 
may congratulate Me, and exult with Me. 



CHAPTER X. 



61 



6. If, therefore, thou desires t to delight My 
Heart, to gladden heaven, and to refresh thy soul, 
be converted to Me with thy whole heart. 

It matters not how much, or how little, thou 
mayst have sinned, come to My Heart, and thou 
shait find a cure for all thy ills. 

Trust in Me, My Child, and fear nothing: I call 
thee, not to upbraid thee with thy faults ; but that 
I may wash them away. 

Come, Child, come : I await thee, with open arms, 
and a burning Heart. 

7. Tim voice of the Disciple. — Behold, most sweet 
Jesus, behold, I come, aroused and re-assured by 
the exceeding goodness of Thy Heart. 

Coming, I beseech and exclaim : Kindly receive 
Thy prodigal child, returning from a far-off coun- 
try, squalid with sin, filled with misery. 

I am not worthy to be called Thy child, since I 
left Thee in a manner so unbecoming, dishonored 
Thee so shamefully, and grieved Thee so much. 

I have sinned against heaven and before Thee : 
guilty as I am, I dare not now throw myself into 
Thy arms : behold, I prostrate myself in the dust 
before Thy feet, appealing to Thy paternal Heart, 
imploring pardon. 

Lo, Thou didst recall me when I fled away : 
Thou didst seek me, when I was lost : Thou didst 
bear with me, when I was abusing Thy goodness : 
with wonderful mildness Thou didst induce me to 
return : when, at last, I come in this pitiful state, 



62 



THE FIRSx BOOK. 



Thou dost not only receive me, but, goodness ! 
Thou dost even embrace me ! O J esus ! never 
was there such a father ! 

Let all the Angels and Saints be glad, and re- 
joice with me : let them praise and extol Thy mercy 
forever ! 

Behold, now I am Thine for evermore : ever 
faithful I will love Thee, Lord, and, through love 
for Thee, I will comply with all Thy wishes. 



CHAPTER XL 

HOW THE CLEANSING OF THE HEART IS TO BE UN- 
DERTAKEN. 

1. The voice of the Disciple. — Numberless, 
Lord, are the things which urge me on to free my- 
self entirely from faults. Heaven holds out prom- 
ises, hell threatens, earth can at any moment hurl 
me into eternity. 

My heart, also, full of thy gifts, impelled by its 
own wretchedness as well, and drawn by the infi- 
nite goodness of Thy Heart, never ceases to incite 
me. 

But, how shall I perform so great an under- 
taking ? For, although I see that I ought to do it, 
yet, I know not how to accomplish it. 

Do Thou, I beseech Thee, good Jesus, teach me 



CHAPTER XL 



63 



the manner of truly amending and reforming my- 
self. All the glory, thence arising, shall belong to 
Thee, and to Thy most loving Heart. 

2. The voice of Jesus. — My Child, if thou wishest 
to cleanse thy heart, and to root out everything 
vicious, begin the work with a great courage and 
a generous mind. 

Have the good and determined will of correcting 
thyself, and of never ceasing to strive after a com- 
plete cleansing ; at the same time, cherish a sincere 
desire of co-operating with the divine grace, and of 
following its guidance : and thus thy endeavors 
shall, at last, be crowned with success. 

This is the first and chief means on thy part : 
from it all the rest derives its strength and efficacy, 
and without it, however powerful it may be, of it- 
self, everything else can hardly effect any good. 

This strong determination of ever striving, with 
God's grace, to cleanse the heart, and to preserve 
it unsullied, is the first hope of future purity of 
heart, the first sign of future perfection, the first 
token whereby future Saints are distinguished, yea, 
the first characteristic mark of the true Disciples of 
My Heart. 

3. Being made ready for the work, by this dis- 
position of thy soul, take fire, and enkindle thy 
heart therewith, that thou mayst consume the sins 
and defects which exist therein. 

Understand, Child, what I say. Thou hast to 
clear a garden, all bristling with noxious plants and 



04 



THE FIB ST LOOK. 



weeds, and disfigured with filthy objects ; thou shalt 
succeed, however, if thou usest the proper means, 
if thou cuttest away all things hurtful, if thou tear- 
est up and carriestout everything useless ; but thou 
shalt not finish thy work, except after a long time, 
and with hard labor. 

But, by applying the fire, without trouble and 
in a short time, thou shalt see the whole garden 
cleaned. 

Nay, more ; by this burning, the garden itself 
shall become richer, and better suited to produce 
flowers and fruits. 

In like manner, Child, thou wilt cleanse thy 
heart, which may be likened to this garden, much 
more readily, and more easily, by using the fire of 
divine love, rather than by any other means. 

Thereby also thou shalt find thy heart better 
adapted to produce the flowers of virtue, and the 
fruits of sanctity. 

4. Now, this fire thou mayst obtain from My 
Heart, if thou drawest near to It, through prayer ; 
if thou prayest, not with the lips alone, but also 
with thy mind and heart. 

For, if thou weighest properly in thy mind the 
sufferings of hell, or of purgatory, which thou hast 
so often deserved : if thou considerest attentively 
My divine favors bestowed upon thee, and all thy 
ungratefulness : 

If thou meditatest carefully on My infinite per- 



CHAPTER XI. 



65 



fections so worthy of all love and honor, and on 
thy offenses, so deserving of punishment : 

If, moreover, thou viewest Me, exhausted with 
toils, through love for thee, and suffering so many 
things, for thy transgressions,- -hanging on the 
Cross, with arms extended, and with My Bosom 
opened for thee: 

If, in fine, thou enterest into My Heart Itself, 
and considerest, to what degree that innocent Heart 
did suffer for thy sins, and how, for them, it was 
spent and consumed : 

If, at the same time, through loving desires, and 
fervent petitions, thou appliest, as it were, thy heart 
to Mine : — 

Then, doubtless, in prayer, shall blaze out that 
fire, that heat of divine love, of which I am speak- 
ing. 

5. From this love do thou draw forth contrition ; 
that is, sorrow for sin committed, and a resolve of 
not sinning again in future. 

No one, My Child, obtains the pardon of his sins, 
unless he bewail them; nor is any one healed of 
his vices, unless he hate them. 

Wherefore, as much as thou art able, do thou 
hate and detest, in thy heart, thy sins and vices ; 
which thou canst not hate nor detest too much. 

The more thou shalt draw this sorrow from the 
divine love, the more perfect shall thy contrition be, 
even if thou do not actually feel the same. 

And the more sincerely thou shalt tewail and de- 
6 



GO 



THE FIRST BOOK. 



test thy sins, with an upright heart, the m j>re certain 
shalt thou be of the pardon of thy offenses, and the 
more secure against committing new ones. 

6. Thou hast a sure mark of sorrow for the sins 
of the past, if thou abstainest from committing new 
ones. 

Therefore, have thou, and preserve always, a firm 
resolve of shunning whatever thou knowest to be 
displeasing to Me; and of suffering rather all the 
evils of this life, than to commit a voluntary sin. 

But, take heed, lest thou deceive thyself, by im- 
agining, that any kind of resolve will be sufficient. 
For a vague desire is not enough : a resolution made 
through custom, or for form's sake, is not enough : 
neither does an ineffectual purpose suffice, — when 
one appears to will and not to will ; when, as he fan- 
cies, he is willing to sin no more, and yet, he is un- 
willing effectually to use the means necessary to 
avoid sin. 

It is requisite, My Child, that the resolution be 
really sincere, settled, and efficacious, that by it thou 
mayst be induced to employ the means, which may 
hinder thee from again committing sin. 

Now, to keep this resolution ever alive within 
thee, renew it often, pray frequently, nourish thy 
devotion by spiritual exercises : and thus obtain for 
thyself that special grace, whereby thou mayst the 
more easily become constant and persevering. 

7. The voice of the Disciple. — My heart, Lord, 
is truly like an abandoned field, wherein many nox- 



CHAPTER XI. 



67 



ious w«eds spring up and many useful r Jants lie 
spoiled. 

It is a great work, to clear the heart of all these, 
and, of myself, I can do nothing profitable. 

But do Thou help me, I beseech Thee, with Thy 
efficient and powerful grace, that I may be able to 
finish happily so great an undertaking. 

For I desire eagerly to complete, according to Thy 
direction, a work so necessary, so useful, so holy ; 
and am resolved not to leave it off, before I have 
finished it in reality. 

Do not suffer, most kind Jesus, that I ever 
grow slothful or careless, in so important an enter- 
prise. For, I confess, that I am prone to grow weak 
in courage, and that I am wont, even after I have 
begun with zeal, by degrees to fall into luke- 
warmness. 

But do Thou arouse, encourage, and stir me up 
strongly, nor allow me to cease from my labor, 
until I bring the work to its wished-for completion. 



68 



THE FIRST BOOK. 



CHAPTER, XII. 

THAT THE HOLY SACRAMENT OF PENANCE IS AN 
EASY AND EFFECTUAL MEANS OF CLEANSING 
one's SELF FROM SINS AND VICES. 

1. The voice of Jesus. — My Child, My Heart,— 
knowing that the frailty of mortals is of such a 
nature, that, whilst on earth, they cannot live with- 
out sin, — has devised a saving means, whereby, if 
it is rightly used, they may not only obtain the re- 
mission of their sins, but also receive an increase 
of grace. 

God is faithful, and, according to His word, He 
forgives their sins to those that confess them ; and 
He gives grace to those that pray for it, and seek to 
live better. (I. John. i. 9, aud v. 14.) 

What would become of most men, if there were 
no Confession ? How few should be saved ! And 
how man}' - of those who now rejoice in heaven, or 
shall possess it hereafter, should be lost ! 

2. Therefore have I given power to the Church, 
that whose sins she shall forgive, they be forgiven 
them ; and whose sins she shall retain, they be re- 
tained. (Matt, xviii. John, xx.) 

" If, then, either hatred, or infidelity, or any other 
sin, have secretly crept into the heart of any one, 
let him not be ashamed to confess the same, to hira 
that presides, that, through the word of (rod, and 



CHAPTER XII. 



69 



through wholesome advice, he may be healed by 
him." (St. Clement of Rome. I. Century.) 

" But, if thou wouldst withdraw thyself from 
Confession, meditate in thy heart on hell, which 
Confession will extinguish for thee. Therefore, 
knowing that against hell, after that first safeguard 
of Baptism, there remains still this second help in 
Confession, why dost thou abandon thy salvation? 
Represent first to thyself the greatness of the pun- 
ishment, and thou wilt not hesitate to take the rem- 
edy." (Tertullian. II. Cent.) 

u For there is a remission of sins, although a 
toilsome one, through Penance, when the sinner 
moistens his couch with his tears, and when he is 
not ashamed to make known his sins to the priest of 
God, and to seek a remedy." (Origen. III. Cent.) 

" This remedy of Confession is eagerly to be de- 
sired by all, since the soul is harassed by greater 
danger than the body ; and the healing for hidden 
diseases must be applied as soon as possible." 
Lactantius. IV. Cent.) 

" Confess, then : let all corrupted matter come out, 
and flow off in Confession : what remains, shall be 
easily healed. Dost thou fear to confess, when, by 
not confessing, thou canst not remain concealed ? 
God, Who knows all things, requires Confession, 
that He may free the humble : for this He condemns 
him that does not confess, that He may punish the 
proud." (St. Augustine. V. Cent.) 

" But confess thou, in such a manrer, that thou 



TO 



THE FIRST BOOK. 



do not again turn to thy sins : for then is the Con- 
fession of sin profitable, when the sinner, who con- 
fesses, does no more, what he had wickedly done." 
(St. Fulgentius. VI. Cent.) 

" Man ought to abstain from sin, when he has 
confessed : Confession goes before, remission fol- 
lows." (St, Isidore. VII. Cent.) 

For " the Church, which is founded on Christ, 
has received from Him the power of freeing men 
from their sins." (Ven. Bede. VIII. Cent.) 

" If sinners are unwilling to confess their sins, 
God Himself, who is now their witness, shall, also, 
be their avenger." (Haymo. IX. Cent.) 

"Sins should not be repeated publicly : it is suf- 
ficient to make known, to the priests alone, by a 
private confession, the faults of conscience." (Luit- 
prand. X. Cent.) 

" Therefore, reason moves, and God impels the 
sinner to confess." (St. Peter Daniian, XI. Cent.) 

"Confession is necessary to the sinner ; and is no 
less proper for the just. (St. Bernard. XII. Cent.) 

" Confession should be made, in a threefold man- 
ner : without palliating, without excusing, without 
delaying." (St. Bonaventure. XIII. Cent.) 

"Let the penitent, therefore, accuse himself be- 
fore the priest, with a lively feeling of sorrow, with 
a firm purpose of amendment, and let him perform 
the works which may be enjoined." (Thauler. 
XIV. Cent.) 

" Penance is a Sacrament, the matter of which 



CHAPTER XII. 



n 



consists in the acts of the penitent, which are di- 
vided into three parts. The first is contrition of 
heart : the second is the oral Confession : the third, 
satisfaction." (Council of Florence. XIV. Cent.) 

Behold, Child, how, from the beginning, the 
faithful of all times, and of all parts of the world, 
have regarded and esteemed this sweet and saving 
Sacrament. 

3. What can be more advantageous than rightly 
to confess ? Through Confession, man is freed from 
faults, he returns into favor with Me, he receives 
peace of heart ; so that he, who before felt himself 
tortured with anguish, now finds himself calm and 
happy. 

The Sacrament of Penance is the medicine of the 
soul, whereby vices are healed, temptations put to 
flight, the snares of the devil destroyed, new grace 
is imparted, piety increased, virtue rendered more 
and more solid. 

Through Confession, the soul regains her rights, 
which she had lost by committing sin; and recovers 
her beauty, which unrighteousness had disfigured. 

i. But it sometimes happens, that the sinner, 
when he approaches this Sacrament of divine mercy, 
impelled either by shame or fear, throws himself 
into the abyss of sacrilege ; so that, now, he is not 
simply a sinner, but becomes a frightful monster 
of sin. 

Art thou able, wretched man, to hide thyself from 
Me ? Art thou able to hinder Me from thrusting 



72 



THE FIRST BOOK. 



thee down into that lowest depth, which thou thy- 
self hast dug ? 

Dost thou sacrilegiously conceal thy sins from a 
Confessor, who, by the strictest laws, human and di- 
vine, is bound to an everlasting and complete se- 
crecy ? I will make them known before thy face, 
not to one man alone, not to one nation, but to 
Heaven and Earth, to all that shall ever have ex- 
isted. 

Then, in the excess of thy confusion, thou wilt 
call upon the mountains, that, covering thee, they 
may screen thee from shame ; yea, thou wilt wish 
to hide thyself in hell ; but thou shalt not be able : 
thou shalt stand and undergo, publicly, thy whole 
confusion and deserved ignominy. 

Foolish man ! thou wast not ashamed to sin to 
thy disgrace and perdition ; why dost thou blush 
to confess for thy salvation and glory ? 

But, consider : why shouldst thou hesitate to un- 
fold thy conscience before him, who is appointed by 
Me, and holds My place in thy regard ? 

When thou presentest thyself, as a penitent, be- 
fore him, thou oughtest, indeed, to look upon the 
Confessor even as upon Myself; for he verily repre- 
sents Me, and possesses My power. 

Yet, he also is a man, and has his own miseries ; 
and he, too, as well as thyself, is obliged to make 
Confession : which is all the harder for him, as, by 
reason of his elevated condition, he ought to be 
more perfect. 



CHAPTER. XII. 



73 



Thus has it been ordained from heaven in a most 
wise and holy manner, that all — priests no less than 
laymen — who desire to be freed from grievous sin, 
should be obliged to confess : and that it be es- 
pecially proper that the priests, whose sacred em- 
ployments demand a greater holiness, should cleanse 
themselves, by frequent Confession, even from 
slighter trespasses. 

Hence, laymen confess, with greater freedom and • 
confidence, to the priests ; and priests learn, by ex- 
perience, to feel compassion for their miseries, to be 
weak with them that are weak, and to weep with 
them that weep. 

5. But there are those that confess their sins can- 
didly enough, and yet are not improved. And 
why? Because they do not strive with a sincere 
heart to correct themselves. 

Some approach the Sacrament of Penance from 
necessity, others through human respect, others 
again from a certain custom. Why wonder, then, 
if they that approach in this manner derive from 
it but little or no fruit? 

Do, thou, My Ghild, — having ever thy own salva- 
tion and My good pleasure before thy eyes, — make 
each Confession, as if it were to be the last of thy life : 
thus wilt thou experience sweet and wonderful 
effects. 

6. Yet, know thyself, My Child, and learn, that 
thou shalt often be tempted to do again those things, 

7 



74 



THE FIRST BOOK. 



over which, thou hadst wept, and which thou hadst 
resolved to shun. 

Do not, on that account, lose courage, Child, nor 
be thou saddened overmuch. These will be the 
effects, not of malice, but of frailty ; being invol- 
untary, rather than deliberate transgressions. 

Thence, learn thou the goodness of My Heart, 
ever ready to pardon thee ; and, in like manner, the 
pitiful condition of thy heart, which is ever inclined 
to evil, and frequently betrays thee. 

Beware, however, lest, on account of this thy 
great frailty, thou neglect Confession : but the 
weaker thou feelest thyself, the more frequently 
have thou recourse to it. 

7. Some hold Confession in dread, and do not 
approach it without trembling. 

Behold, the greatest sinners, as well as the great- 
est Saints, find consolation therein : and art thou 
tormented with anxiety ! 

There the dead return to life, and the living live 
more fully. Why, then, tremblest thou, as if thou 
wert going to death, or to the rack? 

Thou errest, My Child, thou errest ; this most 
wholesome Sacrament was not instituted for tortur- 
ing, but for solacing the heart. 

8. Cast aside, therefore, all uneasiness and anxi- 
ety. I am not a God of agitation, but of peace ; I 
find My delight, not in the commotion, but in th^ 
good will of the soul. 

Do what thou canst, and confess with as sincere 



CHAPTER XII. 



75 



a heart, as thou art able to do : after that, remain 
in peace, nor be thou disturbed by the suggestions 
of the enemy, or of thy own imagination. 

My Heart is the place of refuge for sinners. As 
often as any one flies hither with a contrite and 
humble heart, I will neither cast him off, nor will 
I despise him. 

Do, then, frequently resort to that divine bath, 
wherein My Heart will wash thy soul with My 
Blood, and wash her yet more, until she be wholly 
pure and stainless-* 

* This may be explained by a truly wonderful and consol- 
ing fact, related in the life of St. Mary Magdalen of Pazzi. 
When, on a certain day, — in the Church of her Convent, 
where Confessions were being heard, — this holy Virgin was 
pouring forth her heart before our Lord, present in the Taber- 
nacle, and whilst she was rapt up by divine communications, 
she perceived that the spiritual world became, in some man- 
ner, unvailed before her. For she saw the souls, such as they 
were, of each one of the penitents, whilst they were confess- 
ing. And, at the moment when the Sacramental absolution 
was given, she beheld the divine Blood of Jesus mystically 
poured upon each of them, and washing them, so that they 
became exceedingly pure and fair. Now, if such be the 
effect of one Confession, what must be the effect of frequent 
Confession ? If the soul becomes so pure, so beautiful, when 
washed only once in the Blood of the Heart of Jesus, — which 
is applied to us in the Sacrament of Penance ; how pnre, how 
beautiful must she become, when she is thus cleansed fre- 
quently! Brown and soiled linen is not only made clean by 
frequent washing, but is made as white as snow. Shall not 
then a soul, often washed in the divine Blood of Jesus, be- 
come, at last, perfectly pure and unutterably beautiful ? This 
most g\ous thought may, at least, serve to increase your love 



76 



THE F.RST BOOK. 



9. The voice of the Disciple. — most benign 
Jesus, how wholesome, how consoling a device of 
Thy Heart, is the Sacrament of Penance ! How 
astonishing a condescension, how wonderful a sweet- 
ness, that of the Blood of thy Heart Thou makest 
a bath, wherewith Thou mayst cleanse us from our 
sins ! 

Had not Thy Heart found out this secret, so full of 
all consolation, who could have thought of it? And 
hadst Thou not made it known, what should have 
become of us, what of me? 

Thanks to Thee, most sweet Jesus ! let the An- 
gels, and all the Blessed, let all peoples and tongues, 
return thanks to Thee, for that Thou didst institute 
this life-giving, this sanctifying Sacrament, whereby 
the guilty dwellers of earth are saved, and heaven 
is filled with a multitude of Saints. 

That, therefore, I may not misuse so great a 
blessing, and that I may gather from it every de- 
sirable fruit ; behold, I will confess not only fre- 
quently, but also carefully : as if preparing myself 
for death, I will always, before making my Confes- 
sion, elicit from my heart an act of true sorrow, and 
of firm resolve, peacefully indeed, but with the 
greatest sincerity as well : I will lay every fault 
before my Confessor, with the same candor that I 
would use before Thee, were I to behold Thee with 

for the holy Sacrament of Penance ; and whilst you receive 
it actually, ought sweetly to occupy your mind, and greatly 
to console you. 



CHAPTER XIII. 



my eyes : at the earliest opportunity I will perform 
the penance enjoined: lastly, I will strive to be 
grateful, and to live with a new fervor, and a purer 
heart. 

Jesus ! what consolation, what sweetness is 
felt, when my soul, in this Sacrament of Thy mercy, 
is washed and cleansed by the most sacred and pure 
Blood of Thy Heart ! O do Thou wash me fre- 
quently, I beseech Thee, and I shall be made wholly 
clean : wash me yet more, and I shall be made 
whiter than snow ! 



CHAPTER XIII. 

THAT FOR THE FORGIVENESS OF OUR SINS WE MUST 
FIRMLY RELY UPON OUR LORD, AFTER WE HAVE 
SINCERELY DONE WHAT WAS MORALLY IN OUR 
POWER. 

1. The voice of Jesus. — As I live, I desire not 
the death of the sinner, but that he be converted 
and live. 

If the sinner do penance for all the sins which 
he has committed, and keep all My commands, liv- 
ing, he shall live, and not die. 

The ungodliness of the ungodly shall not hurt 
him, in whatever day he shall turn away from his 
ungodliness : the sins which he has sinned, shall 
not be imputed to him. 



78 



THE FIRST BOOK. 



Why, then, art thou troubled, My Child, or why 
fearest thou so immoderately ? Am I like a man, 
that I should lie or change ? Did I say it, and 
shall I not do it? Did I promise, and shall I not 
make it good ? Did I swear, and shall I not keep 
My word. 

Why dost thou doubt, man of little faith ? 
Amen : heaven and earth shall pass away, but My 
words shall not pass away. 

2. Behold, God, My heavenly Father, who, for 
thy salvation, did not spar,e His only Son, but de- 
livered Him up for thee, no less than for the rest : 
did He not give thee, together with Him, all other 
things, pardon, perseverance, Paradise, every bless- 
ing? 

Through Me, therefore, the only-begotten Son 
of God, thou art become rich in all things, so that 
thou canst be wanting in no grace. For, where sin 
abounded, there grace did more abound. 

Go then, with confidence, to the throne of grace, 
that thou mayst obtain those things, that are need- 
ful to thee. 

3. My Child, I came down from heaven, that I 
might snatch thee from the jaws of hell: all the 
days of My life, I was in suffering, that thou 
mightst be happy through all eternity ; I was will- 
ingly condemned to die, that thou mightst be free 
from everlasting death : and all these things I did 
for thee, when thou wast My enemy ; what, then, 



CHAPTER XIII. 



will I not do, or what can I refuse, when thou 
lovest Me ? 

If thy sins affrighten thee, know, My Child, that 
My infinite merits are infinitely more powerful to 
save thee, if thou art willing, than thy sins to 
destroy thee, if thou art uneasy. 

If, by reason of thy sins, thou standest in dread 
of My judgment, call to mind, that I, Thy Saviour, 
who, even at the right hand of God, My Father, 
intercede for thee, shall be thy Judge. 

4. Enlarge, therefore, thy heart in the Holy 
Spirit, whom thou didst receive in the Sacrament 
of divine mercy. That Spirit of love, that consum- 
ing fire, will destroy the remnant of thy sins, and 
cast out all inordinate fear. 

Hadst thou been an exceedingly great sinner, 
like the thief crucified with Me ; hadst thou, like 
Paul, persecuted Me ; hadst thou even denied Me, 
like Peter : behold, if once thou confessest rightly 
so as to enjoy the e fleet of the Sacrament, all thy 
sins are forgiven thee. 

5. Why art thou sad, My Child? and why dost 
thou disquiet thyself? Thinkest thou that I am a 
harsh master, whom it is difficult to satisfy ? 

Thou art mistaken, Child ; thou ait greatly de- 
ceived. For, behold, am I not a Father, whose 
Heart is goodness itself? Dost thou not know 
this ? Hast thou not experienced it ? 

Do not then dishonor Me ; do not revile Me, by 
attributing to Me things which are so wrongful. 



HE FIRST BOOK 



6. My Child, thou hast not received the spirit of 
bondage again in fear : but thou hast received the 
spirit of adoption of the sons of God, whereby thou 
mayst love and address Me : Abba, Father ! 

Do not, then, fear, Child ; do not, by worrying 
thyself uselessly, lose the time, which thou oughtest 
to spend happily, in loving Me. For I do not re- 
quire anguish, but love. 

Have confidence, My Child, that thy sins have 
been forgiven thee. Do now strive to love Me the 
more, the more I have forgiven thee. 

7. The voice of the Disciple. — Jesus ! my 
love ! my life ! How delightful to me, how sweet 
are the words thou utterest from Thy Heart ! 

Lord, My Grod ! Thou didst wash not my feet, 
not my hands, not my head alone, but my soul, 
my whole self, and that with Thy own blood. 

Behold, Thou didst cast my sins into the depth 
of a sea, into the abyss of the mercy of Thy Heart, 
where they have disappeared from Thy sight. 

Jesus ! how can I ever be unmindful of Thy 
mercies, whereby Thou hast thus restored me to 
life ! 

1 will sing Thy mercies, Lord, forever : I will 
praise the goodness of Thy Heart for evermore. 

8. Bless the Lord, my soul, and let all thjfc 
is within me bless His Sacred Heart. Yea, bless 
the Lord, my soul, and never forget all He has 
done for thee. Who forgives all thy iniquities ; 
who heals all thy diseases. 



CHAPTER XIV. 



81 



He lias not dealt with us according to our sins, 
nor has He rewarded us according to our iniquities : 
hut He has blotted them out according to the mul- 
titude of the mercies of His Heart. 

As a father has pity on his children, so has the 
Lord had pity on us ; because He is good, because 
His mercy endures forever. 

9. Love the Lord, my soul, love Jesus, love 
Him much ; because He has forgiven thee much. 

Let them love less to whom He has forgiven 
less : but do thou, by the greatness of thy love, 
strive to make a suitable return for the greatness 
of His bounty. 

Yea, most sweet Jesus, I will love Thee with 
all my strength : nor will I henceforward pass my 
time in vexing my heart, Thy kingdom now ; but I 
will employ it better, more usefully to me, more 
pleasingly to Thee : Thy love shall ever be my oc- 
cupation. In peace in the self-same, will I take 
my rest and repose. 



CHAPTER XIV. 

HOW WE MUST GUARD AGAINST A RELAPSE. 

1. The voice of Jesus. — My Child, hast thou 
fallen into sin ? Do not again give thyself up to 
it ; but so guard against the future, as not to return 
to the past. 

When the demon has been expelled from a heart, 



82 



THE FIRST BOOK. 



he goes and takes with him seven other spirits 
more wicked than himself, and, returning, attempts 
to enter again. If man does not resist, the ene- 
mies enter, and the last state of that man becomes 
worse than the first. 

If, therefore, thou desire not to become the prey 
of hell, thou must, by all means, resist the tempta- 
tions of the devil. 

Do not be afflicted nor sad, My Child, because 
thou art assailed, against thy will, by various temp- 
tations; be rather rejoiced and consoled. For it is 
a sign that thou art in the state of grace, and that 
thou followest My standard. 

If thou didst adhere to the devil, he would surely 
not attack what is his own ; but because thou 
standest by Me, therefore does he tempt thee, and 
endeavor to draw thee over to his ranks. 

2. My Child, temptation is not prevarication ; 
yea, so long as it is displeasing to thee, it is merit- 
orous of a divine reward. 

Therefore, however loathsome the things, which 
the enemy may suggest, be not uneasy ; however 
violently he may entice thee to evil, think not that 
thou art forsaken by Me. 

Never am I nearer to thee, or more ready to help 
thee, than when thou sufferest under these trials. 

When thou art tempted, Child, I stand by. 
looking on the struggle, and helping thee, that, be- 
ing thus encouraged and aided, thou mayst not 



CHAPTER XIV. 



83 



only withstand the foe, but gloriously triumph 
over him. 

Be, therefore, ready for the combat : no one shall 
be crowned, unless he has struggled lawfully ; and 
he that shall overcome, shall receive the crown of 
life. 

3. As thou dwellest among enemies to the right 
and to the left, and art exposed to their assaults 
from within and from without ; thou oughtest to be 
so well armed, at all times, that they can never find 
thee defenseless. 

Have thy heart lifted up and united to Mine, 
with a determined and generous resolve, to endure 
all things, yea, even to die in the struggle, rather 
than turn thy back upon Me. Otherwise thou 
shalt not be able fully to withstand the stubborn- 
ness of the contest. 

4. In this warfare, two kinds of weapons are 
necessary to thee : the one, defensive, the other, of- 
fensive. 

Humility will furnish thee weapons to defend 
thyself. By means of this virtue, place no reliance 
upon thyself, put all thy trust in Me : and, being 
convinced of thy own frailty, shun, as much as thou 
art able, all dangerous occasions. 

For it were an inexcusable, and most shameful 
presumption, to seek them, or to go to meet them, 
especially if they are of the flesh. 

5. If, nevertheless, the foe assails, call upon Me; 
rely upon My help, confidingly and lovingly. 



84 



THE FIRST BOOK. 



He that prays amid temptation, as he ought, can- 
not be overcome ; but he that neglects prayer, is 
usually vanquished. 

liesist generously from the very beginning of the 
temptation, and pray fervently in this, or a similar 
manner : O, Jesus ! hide me within Thy Heart, that 
I may not be separated from Thee. . . 0, God! my 
(xod ! come to my assistance. . . Jesus and Mary ! 
make haste to help me. . . I will rather die, 
O Lord, than commit sin. 

If the enemy continue to tempt, faithfully with- 
draw thy mind from the object of the temptation ; 
and. having earnestly turned it to other things, either 
good or indifferent, persevere in prayer; persevere 
in thus resisting, not with anxiety or impatience, 
but calmly and steadily: and the foe shall either 
flee away, or stand abashed. 

6. Let it not be enough for thee to repulse Sa- 
tan; strive, also, to injure him. This thou canst do, 
if, by means of the weapons which divine love will 
furnish thee, thou turn the temptations of the ene- 
my against himself. 

As often, therefore, as the demon tempts thee, so 
often use temptation against his aim and object, 
that thou mayst unite thyself more closely with 
Me ; glorify Me by thy faithfulness, and acquire 
for thyself greater strength and merit. 

So it shall come to pass, that thy adversary, 
frightened by his defeat, either dares not return, 



CHAPTER XIV. 



85 



or, if he dares, will secure for thee a more signal 
victory, and a brighter crown. 

7. But, if ever thou be so unfortunate as to fall, 
arise without delay ; fight with more humility and 
courage ; and beware, above all, lest thou surren- 
der and make thyself a slave to the foe. 

Many have been lost, because, after having fought 
bravely, — when they were on the point of gaining 
the victory, — cast down by the troublesomeness of 
the temptation, they surrendered disgracefully, and 
perished miserably. 

Up then, My Child ; the struggle is short, but 
the prize everlasting. 

Be magnanimous : courage is a great part of the 
victory. It prepares thee for grace ; it raises the 
heart, increases strength, moderates labor, frightens 
and weakens the enemy. 

For Me, thy God and Saviour, for thy salvation, 
for an everlasting crown, for the very Kingdom of 
heaven, fight thou bravely, and display a sight wor- 
thy of God, of the Angels, and of men. 

8. The voice of the Disciple. — Thanks to Thee, 
most benign Jesus, who thus teachest my hands to 
fight and my fingers to war. 

Behold, Thou also cheerest up my heart, and 
givest me courage, so that I am ready to put forth 
my strength, and to act valiantly. 

But, I know and confess, that of myself I am 
weak and cowardly : if I am left to myself alone, 
if I rely upon myself alone, what can be looked for, 



86 



THE FIRST BOOK. 



except that I shall shamefully fall away from Thee 
and perish ignobly ? 

Give me grace, I entreat Thee, that I may not 
presume on myself ; that, of my own accord, I may 
not expose myself ; but that I may, with prudence, 
shun every occasion of falling, and, by watchfulness, 
escape all the snares of my foes. 

And at what time Thou shalt see me attacked by 
the enemy, or engaged with him, do Thou arise, I 
beseech Thee, hasten to my assistance ; because 
Thou, Lord, art my strength. 

Be Thou near me, I pray : set me beside Thee, 
and let any man's hand fight against me ; with Thee 
I will conquer, with Thee I will triumph. 




CHAPTER XV. 



HOW THE ROOTS OF VICES AND DEFECTS ARE TO BE 
WHOLLY PLUCKED UP. 

1. The voice of Jesus. — My Child, to obtain per- 
fect purity of heart, it is not enough to cherish a 
good will, to meditate and pray frequently, to con- 
fess often and devoutly. These means are very 
efficient and necessary, and therefore never to be 
omitted, nor neglected. 

But, alone, they do not suffice ; since they are 



CHAPTER XV. 



87 



not wont to pluck up completely the roots of vices 
and defects. 

It is necessary, then, to use besides another 
means, whereby thou mayst, so to speak, extermi- 
nate the noxious roots, and thus render thy heart 
perfectly clean. 

These sweet and wholesome effects are produced, 
in a marvelous manner, by self-examination, an ex- 
ercise apparently trifling indeed, and a small mat- 
ter, but in itself very efficient, and more deeply 
penetrating than any two-edged instrument, — reach- 
ing even to the dividing of the soul and the dis- 
cerning of spirits, and searching into the thoughts 
and intentions of the heart. 

Nor does it serve merely to root out evil habits 
and defects ; but, what is more wonderful, to ac- 
quire solid virtues, and even to attain to perfection. 

2. This self-examination is threefold. The first, 
which is used to collect one's self, consists in this, 
that, when an opportunity offers, thou turn to thy 
heart, and inspect it for a short time, observing 
whence it is moved, with what things it busies itself ; 
or what it has done, and in what manner ; what it 
should do in future, and how. 

Opportunities of performing a very short self- 
examination of this sort, are wont to present them- 
selves frequently. When, for example, thou be- 
ginnest any of the more important actions of the 
day ; and when thou hast performed them. 

When something is presented to thy senses, or tc 



83 



THE FIRST BOOK. 



thy mind, by which thou mayst be allured, or 
tempted ; also, when thou hast fallen into some 

defect. 

When thou meetest with any difficulty which 
may occasion trouble, or disturb thee : lastly, as 
often as, during some length of time, thou hast not 
looked into thy heart. 

Now, this can easily be done, at any time, and in 
any place, even whilst others are present, and with- 
out attracting their attention. 

In the exercise itself, there is no difficulty what- 
ever. At first, indeed, some attention should be 
used, but no straining of the mind ; and, in a short 
time, thou shalt begin to acquire a holy and con- 
soling habit, and gather from it the sweetest and 
most wholesome fruits. 

3. The second is a general examination, by which, 
twice, or at least once, every day, thou devotest a 
short time, some minutes, exclusively to asking of 
thyself an account of thy way of living. 

Having briefly returned thanks to God, and beg- 
ged for divine light, inspect and scrutinize, how, 
since thou didst last examine thyself, thou hast de- 
ported thyself, in thy exterior and interior. 

Examine thy thoughts, words, and deeds : see 
wherein thou hast sinned, or failed : then, carefully 
mark each sin, or defect, at least mentally. 

If thou hast already practically learnt something 
of the interior life, place thy heart near to Mine, 



CHAPTER XV. 



80 



compare, and notice the difference between the 
thoughts, sensations, and actions of both. 

After thou hast, in this manner, discovered thy 
faults and failings, then see and acknowledge thy 
unthankfulness for My Divine favors ; form an act 
of sorrow, as perfect as possible, beg for grace to 
amend thyself, and to make better progress. 

4. Lastly, the particular examination is that, by 
means of which thou exertest thyself, to root out, 
separately, only one vice or defect at a time. 

Most wonderful is the power, and incredible the 
efficacy, of this exercise. Would that thou didst 
understand it well, My Child, and that thou didst 
perform it in a proper manner ! 

There is no habit so deep-rooted, no vice so great, 
which, by this means, cannot be overcome and sub- 
dued. 

For, with God's grace, it can, in some manner, 
do all things. How many sinners have, by its 
means, been freed from vices, which had grown on 
them like a second nature ! How many souls has 
it enabled to cleanse themselves thoroughly ! How 
many has it helped to reach perfection ! 

Whatever defects, then, thou mayst have, be of 
good cheer, My Child : sure art thou of victory ; 
sure of future freedom, if thou use this means dili- 
gently and perseveringly. 

Attack, first, that vice or defect which may be a 
stumbling-block, or a just cause of offense, to thy 
neighbor j afterwards, the one which seems to be 
8 



90 



THE FIRST BOOK. 



thy chief fault. When the leader is overthrown, 

the rest are easily overcome. 

5. Now, thy method of proceeding shall be this : 
In the morning, resolve firmly and considerately, 
that, during the day, thou wilt shun what thou 
mayst have chosen to be avoided in a particular 
manner ; at the same time, beg for grace, that thou 
mayst be faithful to thy resolution. 

Then, twice, or only once a day, according as 
thou makest the general self-examination^ thou 
shalt also search thyself and see how often, since 
the last scrutiny, thou hast failed in thy special re- 
solve ; and mark the number of times. 

Afterwards, grieve not only for thy faults in gen- 
eral, but also for these defects in particular; and 
resolve again to be specially on thy guard against 
them, and for this end implore also special grace. 

Meanwhile, My Child, it will help thee very 
much, if, when thou perceivest thyself growing, in 
some way, indifferent or careless, thou inflict upon 
thyself some small punishment ; and this as often as 
thou offendest against thy particular examination. 

6. But that thou mayst use rightly and con- 
stantly these and other means, thou needest a guide 
to direct, to teach, to fashion thee j to keep thee in, 
or stir thee up, and cheer thee on at all times. 

No one, when left to himself, can walk with 
safety in the path of the spiritual and interior life ; 
for, oftentimes, he will be exposed to the danger of 



CHAPTER XV. 



91 



going astray, of losing heart, of falling into the 
snares of the foe ; nay more, of perishing. 

Wert thou a Saint, or a chosen Apostle, thou yet 
wouldst need some guide. Was not Paul, although 
a Vessel of election to carry My name among the 
nations, at My command, instructed and directed 
by Ananias ? Were not the Saints trained to holi- 
ness, by others that led a holy life ? 

Pray, therefore, My Child, that thou mayst be 
worthy to find a guide according to My Heart, 
either in thy Confessor, thy Superior, or some other 
person, who possesses authority, skill and experi- 
ence in spiritual matters, and a practical knowledge 
of the interior life. 

To such a one, My Child, do thou occasionally 
make known thy heart : at certain times give some 
account of thyself, that thou mayst know whether 
thou advancest rightly ; what thou must correct, 
and how it is to be done; on what thou oughtest 
to insist, and in what manner it is to be accom- 
plished. 

The subjects, concerning which this interior man- 
ifestation should be made, are usually: the disclos- 
ing of the soul's state or habitual feeling, whether 
it be peaceful or agitated ; what longings for a more 
perfect life thou feelest within thyself ; what ob- 
stacles embarrass thee ; to what practices of devo- 
tion and mortification thou art wont to apply thy- 
self. 

What method thou hast in prayer and medita- 



92 



THE FIRST BOOK. 



tion ; with what relish and fruit thou advancest by 
this method; what spiritual books thou readest, 
and whether they agree with the present degree of 
thy interior life : whether thou readest in a manner 
proper and profitable. 

In what manner thou approachest the Sacra- 
ments ; with what preparation, with what feelings 
of piety, with what thanksgiving, with what re- 
sults. 

How thou makest thy self-examinations ; with 
what painstaking, and with what fruit. 

How thou performest the duties of thy state of 
life, the obligations of thy office, thy ordinary ac- 
tions,- — by what motive or principle, whether of na- 
ture or of grace, with what object, — what end thou 
hast in view. 

In what manner thou deportest thyself towards 
others, with what disposition of heart, with what 
profit or loss to thyself and to them. 

With what fidelity thou obeyest God's inspira- 
tions ; how thou feelest disposed towards Me ; 
finally, in what degree thou relishest the sentiments 
of My Heart. 

Do thou, My Child, modestly and religiously, 
with humble candor and docile charity, make 
known such and similar matters, sometimes one, 
then another, according as spiritual necessity or 
usefulness may require. 

All this, if thou perform it after this manner, 



CHAPTER XV. 



93 



thou shalt find easy, most useful, aod full of conso- 
lation * 

7. The voice of the Disciple. — Lord Jesus, to ex- 
ecute all those things, greatly, indeed, do I need 
light from above, — wherewith to discover my de- 
fects, — and divine assistance, to remove them. 

For many of them lie hidden from human eyes, 

* Purity of heart, being of the greatest importance, it is 
thought proper to bring together, in this place, the means to 
attain it, although they have been given separately. The 
first is a settled and constant determination of always try- 
ing to improve. The second, stated and repeated mental 
and vocal prayer. The third, the pious and frequent use of 
the Sacraments. The fourth, the faithful practice of the 
three-fold self-examination, especially of the particular ex- 
amination. The fifth, the candid disclosing of our interior 
life j and, on the other hand, a holy guidance. Whoever 
makes a right use of these means, will doubtless attain to 
as great a purity of heart, as the Lord is ordinarily wont to 
require. But, if He require something extraordinary, He 
Himself will provide the means, for no one is able to make 
provision under such circumstances. Yet, as things are 
wont to be preserved by the same means that produced them, 
you shall preserve interior purity, by the same means that 
have been pointed out to attain it. These then are, " the 
five loaves of the show-bread, which must be ever new and 
fresh before the Lord." Wherefore, these means are always 
to be used with the same care. And, lest you grow lukewarm 
by degrees, either through frailty or carelessness, examine 
yourself from time to time, and make known, how you use 
them : and, if you have in any wise fallen off, do as quickly 
as possible strive to regain your former fervor. As long as 
you shall employ these means, even with ordinary diligence, 
you shall have within yourself the consoling sign, that you 
are on the right road, which leads to perfection. 



94 



THE FIRST BOOK. 



nor can I see them myself, neither can any one 
point them out to me, unless aided by a supernatu- 
ral light. 

But if, with the brightness of this light, Thou 
deignest to illumine my inmost soul, behold ! all 
things therein, great and small, shall be unvaried. 
For even as the sun shining into a chamber reveals 
the very atoms that fill its every space, so Thy grace 
gleaming on my heart, shall bring to view number- 
less defects, the existence of which I did nowise 
suspect. 

But what shall it avail me to know my defects, 
if I cannot uproot them ? Thy help, therefore, is 
also necessary to me, who, without it, can effect 
nothing conducive to salvation. 

Lord Jesus, by Thy most Sacred Heart, I beg 
and beseech Thee, grant me uninterruptedly the 
plentifulness of this two-fold grace, that thereby I 
may be enlightened and assisted. 

Without this grace, no assiduity of mine, no care 
of a director, however much he may toil, whatever 
zeal he may exercise, can aught avail. 

Thou, therefore, Jesus, the eternal Wisdom, 
the infinite Goodness, Thou art the supreme Direc- 
tor : do Thou, I pray, guide me, through him whom 
Thou mayst will to hold Thy place, and with whom 
I am willing to act in all things as with Thyself. 



CHAPTER XVI. 



Of) 



CHAPTER XVI. 

THAT HE WHO DESIRES TO FOLLOW THE HEART OF 
JESUS, MUST ALSO WITHDRAW HIS HEART FROM 
THE WORLD. 

1. The voice of Jesus. — Woe to the world, My 
Child : woe to the heart that clings to its allure- 
ments and its vanities ! 

It is not enough to cast Satan out of thy heart, 
thou must also expel the world. If thou inwardly 
cherish the world, whatever else thou mayst do 
wholly to amend thyself, shall avail thee little. 

For the world will continue to infect thy heart, 
will doubtless pervert, and finally betray thee into 
the power of the demon. 

2. What is the world, except an inordinate or 
perverse love of pleasure, riches, honors ; whereby 
its votaries are themselves corrupted and corrupt 
others ? 

If thou desirest to know, what thou oughtest to 
think of the world, consider what I Myself have 
judged of it. 

Behold ! I passed through life doing good to all : 
I loved the enemies that persecuted Me ; when fast- 
ened to the Cross, I prayed for those that crucified 
me ; but for the world I prayed not. 

The world is of the devil, is wholly placed in 
wickedness, and cannot possess My Spirit : even as 



96 



THE FIRST BOOK. 



falsehood cannot be truth, as corruption cannot be 
purity. 

3. The world is itself a proof, not only of the 
undeniable existence — but even of the necessity of 
a hell. 

What can there be in common between the world 
and My Heart, since the world, either openly or 
secretly, favors every vice ; whilst My Heart breathes 
naught, except what is holy ? 

The world, in league with Satan, its prince, seeks 
for souls to destroy them forever ; My Heart longs 
to save them all. 

Thou canst, therefore, not serve the world and 
Me : for, if thou art the friend of the world, thou 
becomest the enemy of My Heart. 

4. If thou art a votary of the world, thou wilt 
perish with the world : but if thou followest My 
Heart, thou wilt go into life everlasting. 

If thou drivest the world, and the maxims of the 
world, from thy heart, so as to offer it wholly to Me, 
the offering will be pleasing and honorable to Me, 
and full of glory and merit to thyself. The Angels 
and the Saints will applaud the deed, and the world 
itself shall be compelled to admire the lofty hero- 
ism of thy mind. 

Blessed is he, My Child, who withdraws his af- 
fections from the things of the world, and conse- 
crates them to Me alone ! 

5. What findest thou in the world, on account of 
which thou wouldst love it ? Behold ! all that is 



CHAPTER XVI. 



97 



in the world, is the desire of the flesh, the lust of 
the eyes, and the pride of life. And the end of all 
these is death and hell. 

If, then, thou lovest the world, or the things 
which are of the world, thou takest into thy em- 
brace everlasting perdition. 

What good has the world done to thee, that thou 
wouldst devote thy affections to it? It has done, 
and never will do thee aught but evil. How, then, 
canst thou give thy heart to it ? 

Trust not, My Child, to the smiles and blandish- 
ments of the world ; they show only a covert desire 
to deceive and destroy thee. 

But hearken to the invitings of My Heart, that 
longs to save thee from the everlasting misfortunes, 
which the world is preparing for thee. 

6. If thou dost not forsake the world, the world 
will forsake thee, when thou art spent and worn out 
in its service; yea, it will laugh and mock at thy 
destruction ; and, when thou standest most in need 
of help, thou shalt be alone and powerless. 

Think frequently, which of the two, when thou 
art about to go into eternity, thou shalt rather wish 
to have followed, the world or Me. 

Do freely, therefore, and meritoriously now, what, 
without merit, thou shalt be forced to do then. 

Apply thyself to draw thy heart from the love 
of earthly things ; and, by a complete disengage- 
ment from it, to triumph over the world. 

Have confidence, My Child, I have overcome the 
9 



98 



THE FIRST BOOK. 



world : if thou art willing, thou also canst vanquish 
it. So soon as thou shalt have conquered, I will 
give thee a most delightful place in My Heart. 

7. The voice of the Disciple. — Lord, how fool- 
ishly have I acted ! how wickedly have I lived ! A 
willing dupe, I have been misled by the false ap- 
pearance of pleasure, of riches, of honor; I have 
forsaken Thee, to make myself a slave of the 
world, Thy enemy. 

I have left the fountain of every good, to go down 
to the pestilential pool of the world. There made 
I myself drunk with poisonous draughts ; I grew 
senseless, and, in my madness, I cast aside every 
thing. 

I became forgetful of Thee, my God and my all ; 
I gave myself wholly to the world ; and in its ser- 
vice, I unhallowed Thy gifts, my external senses, 
' and the inward powers of my soul. 

Alas ! I became exceedingly guilty : my soul was 
filled with iniquity : I drew myself nigh to hell. 

Thy wrath came upon me, and Thy terrors 
troubled me, so that night and day I was wretched. 

8. Alas ! good Jesus ! even after — seized with a 
great dread of Thy judgment and fear of hell — I 
had resolved to lead a good life, into what fatal 
illusion did I fall ! how banefully did I go astray ! 

I divided my heart between Thee and the world : 
I wished, at one and the same time, to serve Thee 
and the world. 

! how great an insult did I offer to Thee, when 



CHAPTER XVII. 



99 



I placed Thee on an equality with tie world ! I 
pleased neither the world nor Thee : and, mean- 
while, I was most wretched, hecause, not being sat- 
isfied with the world, nor with Thee, I found true 
happiness in neither. 

But now that Thou didst open my eyes, and 
move my heart, behold ! Lord Jesus, I will serve 
Thee alone : I give my whole heart to Thee for- 
ever. 

Take out of my heart, I beseech Thee, all affec- 
tion for the world : change for me all its apparent 
sweets into real bitterness. 

So fill me with the delight of Thy love, that the 
world, with all its vanities, become tasteless to me. 



CHAPTER XVII. 

HOW DECEITFUL THE WORLD IS. 

1. The voice of Jesus. — My Child, the whole 
world is made up of deceits, and by its arts and 
wiles, it allures to itself the unwary. 

It holds out to man pleasures, honors, and riches ; 
and says, all these things will I give to thee, if 
thou serve me. 

But attend thou, not to what it promises, but to 
what it gives. 

Through the deceitful hope of pleasant things, 
it brings its votaries beneath the cruel tyranny of 



100 



THE FIRST BOOK. 



the passions, and thence leads them to the ceaseless 
tortures of the stings of conscience. 

Didst thou ever find a worldling, even the most 
fortunate, whose heart was every way satisfied ? 
Neither shalt thou find such a one, even if thou 
searchest the whole earth. 

The world, indeed, promises good things ; but, 
in reality, it bestows true evils only ; because what 
it gives, makes man wicked, and hinders him, by no 
means, from being truly unhappy. 

2. The voice of the Disciple. — Yet, O Lord, 
worldlings frequently obtain possession of those 
things which they covet ; and, therefore, they care 
little for the spiritual distresses of the heart. 

The voice of Jesus. — Even so, My Child : grant that 
they abound in whatever things they may lust after 
in this world; as they possess them with an inordinate 
affection, and misuse them, they enjoy them not, 
except for their present and future unhappiness. 

Besides, they appear, indeed, not to care for the 
interior tortures of the soul ; but, My Child, if thou 
couldst look, as 1 do, into their hearts, thou shouldst 
see how many things they suffer within, which they 
endeavor to hide outwardly, and thou wouldst con- 
clude, that the happiness of man consists, not in 
having an abundance of the things of this world, 
but rather herein, that he keeps his heart free from 
every worldly object, and calmly, and permanently 
satisfied in Me. 

Moreover, how long shall these things of world- 



CHAPTER XVII. 



101 



lings last ? Behold ! yet a little while, and eternity 
shall summon them to appear. What then shall 
the plentifulness of delights and other things avail 
them ? They shall leave the world, taking with them 
nothing, except the load of their sins. 

Wouldst thou, then, be willing, for the misuse 
of the things of time, to lose the use of those of 
eternity ? or, for the false possessions of earth, to 
forfeit the true riches of heaven ? 

3. My Child, if thou cleavest to the world, thou 
ceasest, in fact, to be a Christian, and thou foregoest 
the possession of all the privileges which belong to 
that noble name. 

For, at thy new birth, in the waters of Baptism, 
thou didst, by a solemn promise, made before heaven 
and earth, renounce the world and its wickedness ; 
nor would I, without that promise, have adopted 
thee as My Child. 

If, after this, thou goest again over to the party 
of the world, thou art not only faithless, but even 
worse than the heathen, who made no such promise. 
For, it is better not to promise, than not to make 
good what is promised. 

4. Ask the departed, what they think of the 
world. The Elect will answer, that their happiness 
began from the time they learnt to despise the things 
of earth : and the reprobate will reply, that they 
were deceived and ruined by the world. 

Thyself, My Child, shalt, one day, think and ex- 



102 



THE FIRST BOOK. 



perience concerning the world, the one or the other 
of these things. 

Be timely wise, My Child, lest hereafter thou feel 
sorrow to no purpose : follow the footprints of the 
Saints, by withdrawing thy heart from the world, 
and keeping thy affections from its contagion. 

5. Use the things of this world, as if thou didst 
not use them ; and, whilst thou treadest the earth 
with thy foot, have thy heart in heaven. 

The more thou shalt withdraw thyself from 
creatures, the nearer shalt thou come to the Creator ; 
and the more proper shalt thou be to receive divine 
gifts. 

If thy heart be wholly disengaged from the world, 
so far from being hurtful to thee, the world itself 
will be, in many ways, subservient to thy interests. 

0, how base the whole world would grow in thy 
sight, if thou didst duly consider, what awaits thee 
in eternity ! 

6. The voice of the Disciple. — Truly, Lord, the 
world is a deceiver. Such have I experienced it 
to be, to my own loss. 

When it offered me its own favors, madman that 
I was, I believed that thereby I should be happy. 
But Oh ! how greatly was I deceived ! how truly 
wretched was I, even when, giddy with worldly 
love, I fancied myself most happy ! 

The animal man within me, made me imagine 
that I was happy, whilst I was feeding on the 
husks, which the world threw before me ; and, in 



CHAPTER XVII. 



103 



spite of myself, I groaned full often beneath the 
degradation of my slavery, beneath the burden of my 
heart's misery. 

I fully acknowledge now, that I was myself the 
author of my own unhappiness; and that I can, with 
justice, blame no one except myself. 

Because I was unwilling to serve Thee with joy 
and gladness of heart, amid the abundance of all 
things, I became a slave to Thy enemy and to mine, — 
served him in hunger, and thirst, and every want, 
in so far even, that I delighted to fill myself with 
the food of the vilest animals. 

7. Would, Lord, that I could blot out from 
the number of my years, those during which, es- 
tranged from thee, I served the world ! 

What fruit do I now reap from them, except bit- 
terness, stings of conscience, anguish of heart, sins 
to be atoned for, either in this life by sorrow, or to 
be bewailed in vain in the next ? 

Be gracious to me, my Saviour ! and forgive 
me all my offenses, which I committed by following 
the world, and which I now detest from my inner- 
most heart. 

Suffer no more, I entreat Thee, that my heart 
cling again to aught — even the least object — of this 
wicked world : withdraw it wholly, with all its 
affections, from the false tinseling of earth, which 
contains naught except deceit, emptiness, and 
affliction of heart. 



104 



THE FIRST BOOK. 



CHAPTER, XVIII. 

THAT TO SERVE THE WORLD IS A CRUEL SLAVERY. 

1. The voice of Jesus. — My Child, he that loves 
to serve the world, knows not the world. 

The world is a true tyrant : and wretched slaves 
are they that serve it. 

How many things, — what sacrifices does it not 
exact from its votaries, whom, for all their services, 
it repays with unceasing evils ! 

It demands, that its slaves become the base tools 
of their passions ; that they sacrifice body and soul ; 
that they damn themselves without complaint. 

And, when it has completed their destruction, it 
forsakes them as useless wretches, fit only for hell- 
fire. 

2. Oh ! at how great a cost do worldlings pur- 
chase their own ruin ! If they did for Me the half 
of what they do for the world, how happy should 
they be, and what Saints ! 

How cruel is the world's slavery ! under it, how 
many interior sufferings must be undergone ! what 
hardships endured ! And all this for the hope of 
obtaining such things as, when once tasted, cause 
death ; or such as will produce tortures, either at 
present, by the irksome possession of them, or after 
awhile, by a bitter separation. 

Truly, it is an iron yoke which presses on the 
neck of worldlings, the weight of which no one does 



CHAPTER XVIII. 



105 



fully know, unless he either tried it, or considers it 
as he stands on the threshold of eternity. 

3. Whoever desires to be saved, must separate 
his heart from the world. 

There are those who, by their mode of life, having 
outwardly bidden farewell to the world, inwardly 
captivated by the world, in most things, govern 
themselves by worldly sentiments. 

There are others, whom their condition in life 
obliges to live exposed to the dangers of the world ; 
who yet have so divested themselves of every affec- 
tion for the world, that they never defile themselves 
with aught that is worldly. 

It is, therefore, not the kind of life which he 
leads, nor the shape of the dress which he wears, 
that connects a man with the world, or estranges 
him from it ; but the affection of the heart, the dis- 
position of the soul. 

Wherefore, he that is farthest separated in heart 
from the world, and most closely united to Me, he 
is dearest to My Heart, in whatever state of life he 
may live. 

Wherever, then, My divine Will may have placed 
thee, there do thou serve Me in holiness. Since, in 
every state or condition of life, which is good in it- 
self, thou canst live for Me, and sanctify thyself : 
although it remains true, that a state of life sepa- 
rated from the world, conduces most to secure sal- 
vation, and to reach perfection. 

4. How many followers of the world there are, who, 



106 



THE FIRST BOOK. 



convinced of the world's wickedness, see the necessity 
of renouncing it by a change of life ; yet, dare not 
do so, too fearful lest the world may rail at them. 

Is this your fortitude, ye friends of the world ? 
Great- souled, forsooth, ye are all, who, through fear 
of empty talk, dare not do what faith dictates, what 
reason approves, what your greatest interest de- 
mands. 

What are words, but sounds passing through the 
air and disappearing ? Can they stir so much as 
a hair of the head ? 

5. Shalt thou be so fainthearted, My Child, that, 
for the sake of such words, thou wouldst draw on 
thyself ruin in time and in eternity ? 

Choose, either to serve Me, to be blissful in My 
service, and to enjoy the enduring delights of heaven 
hereafter : or, to serve the world, to lead inwardly 
a wretched life, and, at last, to undergo torments 
never-ending. 

Behold ! life and death, good and evil are placed 
before thee : whatever thou dost prefer, shall be 
given thee. 

6. The voice of the Disciple. — kind Jesus ! how 
could I falter in my choice ? Wretched me ! how 
could I ever choose what was to render me so un- 
happy ! 

infinite Goodness, my God ! Thou hast 
freed me from error, and hast taught me the truth. 

Behold! now I am wholly Thine forever, 
Jesus, my true beatitude ! 



CHAPTER XIX. 



107 



Away with thee, deceitful world, most wicked 
seducer, enemy of God and of my salvation ; thou 
foe of all that is good, thou defender of all that is 
evil ; 0, thou, the most cruel of all tyrants ! 

world, thou minister of Satan ! too late have I 
known thee : too long have I loved thee. From 
this hour, farewell to thee, farewell for evermore I 



CHAPTER XIX. 

THAT THE YOKE OF JESUS IS TRULY SWEET. 

1. The voice of Jesus. — Come, My Child, take up 
My yoke upon thee ; for My yoke is sweet, and My 
burden light. 

My service, Child, is not that of a tyrant, nor of 
a harsh master ; but of a most loving Father, who is 
near His children, who are submissive to Him, that 
He may help and entertain them. 

Love is the spirit of My service : and love finds 
all things easy. 

My commands are not heavy ; and to those that 
love, they are exceedingly light and sweet. 

Try and taste, My Child, how pleasant it is to 
serve Me ; how delightful, to enjoy My sweetness ; 
how good, to gain possession of the very fountain 
of all good things. 

2. If thou seekest delights, thou shalt find the 
true ones, in My service alone. 



108 



THE FIRST BOOK. 



All the pleasures of the world, are either empty 
or pernicious. But My consolations surpass, be- 
yond comparison, all the delights of earth : they 
ravish hearts by their purity, they satiate them by 
their truth. 

Yea, betimes, they so overwhelm man, that they 
give him a certain foretaste of those heavenly de- 
lights, wherewith the Blessed in Paradise are in- 
ebriated. 

3. He that serves Me, is not as the slave of the 
world, who toils to gather for himself treasures on 
earth, and in the end, finds his hands empty. 

But he lays up for himself treasures in heaven, 
where neither the rust, nor the moth, can destroy ; 
where thieves cannot dig them up, nor carry away. 

All the wealth of earth, compared with the treas- 
ures of heaven, is only dust and nothingness. 

4. If thou aimest to be honored, behold ! what 
greater honor can be desired, than to be with Me, 
to be approved and distinguished by Me ? 

The glory of the world, wherewith one man de- 
ludes the other, is false and shortlived : but the 
glory of My service is true, and shall endure for- 
ever. 

Greater is the least of My servants, than the lord 
of a kingdom in the world. 

5. "Was there ever found a man, who, at the Lour 
of death, repented that he had served Me ? Yet, at 
that last moment, how exceedingly do worldlings 
regret to have been in the service of the world ! or, 



CHAPTER XIX. 



109 



if they bewail it not, how much more wretched are 
they ! 

Truthful is the saying, My Child, that he, who 
serves Me faithfully during life, possesses two 
heavens, the one in time, the other in eternity : and 
that he, who spends his life in the service of the 
wicked world, endures two hells, one now, another 
hereafter. 

6. Courage ! then. My Child ; bend thyself be- 
neath the yoke, which is borne by the Angels in 
heaven, and the Elect on earth ; and beneath which 
they enjoy true bliss. 

Take it up joyously, and bear it cheerfully. 
Thou servest the same Lord, that is served by the 
Blessed in heaven. Whilst thou imitatest them in 
their service, imitate them also in their cheerfulness. 

Let the slaves of sin, and of the world, be sad : 
joy and exultation are the portion of My servants. 

Serve Me, then, but serve Me with gladness : let 
thy heart, for joy, cheer up thy countenance ; and, by 
thy holy gayety, teach the world, what blessedness 
there is in serving Me. 

7. The voice of the Disciple. — To serve Thee, 
most benign Jesus, is truly sweet for me : what 
then must it be for those that love Thee ! what for 
those that have centred their heart's affection in 
Thee! 

If I, who only begin to love, find so great a 
sweetness in Thee j in what sweetness do they de- 
light, who, fondly devoted to Thee, with a generous 



110 



THE FIRST BOOK. 



heart, have long lived for Thee alone ; are admitted 
into the innermost of Thy Heart, and partake of 
all Thy bliss most plentifully ! 

Jesus, unutterable sweetness ! what is man 
that Thou exaltest him thus ? or the son of man, 
that Thou settest Thy Heart upon him ? 

8. Behold I to live for Thee, to comply with Thy 
Will, is not to serve, but to reign. In Thy service, 
no one is a servant, every one is a King, is a Lord : 
for Thou art the King of kings, and the Lord of 
lords. 

Tn Thy service, no one is a menial, no one is 
miserable : each one is noble, each one is fortunate ; 
for Thou art the King of glory ; honors and riches 
abound in Thy house. 

In Thy service, no one is wicked; and, therefore, 
no one is unhappy: but all are good, happy all : 
for Thou art the King of virtues, the peace and joy 
of hearts. 

Blessed, therefore, are the undefiled, who walk 
in Thy law ! their blessedness is ever-during : for 
Thy kingdom is the kingdom of all ages. 

most sweet Jesus ! what is there for me out- 
side of Thee, or what do I desire upon earth beside 
Thee ? God of my heart, Thou art my life, Thou 
my blessedness, Thou my portion forever. 



CHAPTER XX. 



Ill 



CHAPTER XX. 

THAT, WITHOUT KEEPING ANYTHING FOR" OUR- 
SELVES, WE SHOULD GIVE OUR WHOLE HEART 
TO JESUS. 

1. The voice of Jesus. — My Child, give Me thy 
heart. 

To release thy heart from sin, and from the 
world, is not enough : thou must, moreover, disen- 
gage it from thyself. 

As the complete renouncing of sin renders the 
friendship of God steadfast, and as the putting away 
of the world, and its vanities, prepares the soul for 
the interior life ; so, the forsaking of one's self, 
leads to union with Me. 

It is, therefore, necessary to give Me thy whole 
heart, without reserving aught for thyself, if thou 
desirest to enjoy that blessedness, than which there 
is none greater in this life, and by which alone thou 
canst be truly happy. 

2. Thy heart, Child, is Mine. For, when it had 
no being, I created it; when it was lost, I sought 
and ransomed it ; when it lay an easy prey to the 
enemies, that were going to carry it off, I protected 
and preserved it. Thus, by giving Me thy heart, 
thou dost only give Me what is Mine. 

But, on how many accounts do I deserve its 
every affection ! What good dost thou possess, in 



112 



THE FIRST BOOK. 



thy body, or in thy soul, whether in the natural or 
the supernatural order, which thou didst not re- 
ceive from My Heart ? 

How many years ago shouldst thou have been 
burning in hell, if I had either dealt with thee ac- 
cording to thy deserts; or had not preserved thee 
from sins which deserve hell and its just punish- 
ments ! 

But it was my love, Child, that dealt with thee 
in so sweet and wonderful a manner ; the love of 
My Heart, with which I loved thee from eternity, 
and with which, even till now, I have never ceased 
to favor thee. 

Thy whole life has been a succession of blessings, 
on My part, uninterrupted and manifold : nor has 
there been any point of time, which was not marked 
with some new favor. 

3. And what, Child of My love, do I ask of 
thee in return for all these thousands of favors ? 
Surely, whatever I might ask of thee, and what- 
ever thou mightst be able to give, would be far be- 
low the greatness and the number of My gifts. Yet, 
one thing only I demand, thy whole heart ; it is 
enough, if thou give Me that. 

Thy heart excepted, I care naught for whatever 
thou mayst give ; because, beyond all else, I long 
for thy heart. 

4. Upon whom canst thou bestow thy heart with 
more advantage? Thou canst not live, without 



CHAPTER XX. 



113 



loving, and without giving the affections of thy 
heart to some object. 

Wouldst thou give thy heart to the demon, thy 
sworn and relentless enemy ? or to the world, the 
demon's corrupt and corrupting ally? Woe, My 
Child, a thousand times woe to thee, if thou givest 
it to either of these ! 

Art thou desirous of reserving the affections of 
thy heart for thyself? But, My Child, if thou 
lovest thyself only, thou shalt find a requital in 
thyself alone. Now, what is the reward of self- 
love ? Behold, self-love digs out a hell, and leads 
to the same. 

Give, then, thy heart to Me, Child : I will fill it 
with peace, and with gladness, and with bliss. 

5. Do not desire to reserve for thyself aught of 
thy affections : for if thou do this, thou shalt 
neither be admitted into the secrets of My Heart, 
nor shalt thou ever be able to taste the sweetness 
of My love : nay more, thou shalt not be able to 
keep thyself from the danger of being perverted. 

Yet it is not unusual for many, even those who 
wish to be considered good and pious, to keep, 
through self-love, — under a specious pretext, — an 
affection for some one or other created object. What 
is there more frequent? what can be more danger- 
ous ? what more baneful ? 

I wish to possess thy whole heart, Child : I am 
its Lord; I, a jealous God, am its only end, its sole 
beatitude. 
10 



114 



THE FIRST BOOK. 



6. Love, then, My Child : it is given thee to love ; 
to love is necessary : for this thy heart was made : 
but love thou what deserves to be loved ; love Me ; 
and, if thou cherish aught else besides, love it for 
love of Me alone. 

When beside Me thou wilt love nothing, except 
for love of Me, — when thou givest entrance into 
thy heart to nothing except to Me, or for love of 
Me, — then, at last, shalt thou possess a heart wholly 
pure. 

Wherefore, My Child, give Me thy whole heart, 
as a burnt-offering, for an odor of sweetness ; nor 
do thou take it back, not even the least portion of 
the same : for I hate robbery in a holocaust. 

Be ever mindful that, whether in prosperity or 
in adversity, there can be nowhere a better place 
for thy heart than with Me. 

7. The voice of the Disciple. — It follows, then, 
O Lord, that I must also disengage my heart from 
all self-love, from inordinate affection towards my- 
self ; so that I may wholly be filled with Thy love, 
and may live by Thy Spirit alone. 

Alas ! my God, here is the labor, here is the dif- 
ficulty : there exist in my heart so many things ill- 
regulated, and these I have followed so long, that 
to live according to them, has become to me, as it 
were, a second nature. 

Hitherto, the natural disposition of my heart, 
either inclination or aversion, has been almost the 
sole rule of my life : this I have followed, in my 



CHAPTER XX. 



115 



dealings with others, in the undertaking and the 
execution of my actions ; yea, in the very perform- 
ance of my practices of religion and piety. 

Hitherto, with grief I must own it, whatever 
pleased my natural inclination, I was wont to pur- 
sue : whatever displeased it, I abhorred. 

Hence, I find my labors, for the most part, void : 
I see that well-nigh all my actions were those of 
self-love; and that they have given me, in return, 
the fruits only of self-love. 

And, unless Thou, by the light of Thy grace, 
hadst showed me these things, I might have con- 
tinued with them, without ever suspecting them. 
So much was I blinded by self-love. 

But, since, by Thy gracious Tdndness, Thou hast 
laid open before my eyes these baleful evils lurk- 
ing in my heart, grant me, I beseech Thee, a spe- 
cial help to remove them altogether. 

I entreat Thee, Lord, suffer naught, which is 
not Thine, in my heart : if ever anything foreign 
appear therein, oblige me forthwith to cast it out ; 
or do Thou, even against my will, take it thence. 



116 



THE FIRST BOOK. 



CHAPTER XXI. 

OF WATCHING OVER OUR HEART. 

1. The voice of Jesus. — My Child, with all watch- 
fulness, keep thy heart safe for Me : for from it 
proceeds either life or death. 

The greatest and most pleasing gift thou canst 
offer, is to present thy whole heart irrevocably to 
Me ; and thou canst have no better, nor more whole- 
some employment, than to preserve thy heart faith- 
fully for Me. 

In vain dost thou devote thy heart to Me, if 
thou do not guard it sedulously : for the enemy, 
even without thy being fully aware of it, will cor- 
rupt it and tear it away. 

2. A man, loose in heart, and given up to out- 
ward things, may, indeed, on occasion of some swift- 
passing fervor, devote his feelings to Me ; but soon, 
when this warmth of devotion disappears, he will 
fall into a worse than his wonted low estate. 

A heart not watched over, is rarely self-present, 
and more rarely still, mindful of Me : hence, in a 
short time, it becomes unfeeling, and grows hard- 
ened against things spiritual. 

It lies open to every one, like a public thorough- 
fare, through which thoughts, temptations, errors 
of every sort may freely pass. 

All its enemies come and go through it ; and, in 
various ways, disturb, defile, and corrupt it. 



CHAPTER XXI. 117 

A man, given to outward things, never seriously 
gives heed to this ; and, shrinking from the very 
thought of dwelling within himself, or of busying 
himself with what goes on in his heart, he endeav- 
ors to flee from himself, or to turn away his mind. 

And thus the evil grows worse ; and, from day to 
day, the condition of his heart becomes more dan- 
gerous. 

3. Tf thou art unwilling to be the victim of mis- 
eries so great, remove their causes, and the effects 
will cease. 

By calling to mind the divine Presence, by fre- 
quent recourse to Me, check thou all levity, and 
take heed, lest thou be too indulgent to thy ever- 
changing nature ; which always seeks to go abroad, 
which is prone to vanity, which seeks to show itself 
everywhere, which studies continually how it may 
gratify the senses. 

Shun things trifling and useless ; shut out all 
outer things, with which it is not needful to busy 
thyself ; accustom thyself to dwell within thyself, 
and to live interiorly in such a manner, as if thou 
wast alone with Me in the world. 

Study, always and everywhere, to possess thyself 
and to be self-collected : to this thou mayst attain by 
grace, by effort, and by practice, so that it will be- 
come, as it were, natural to thee. 

And, when thou hast acquired it, this self-pres- 
ence of the mind will bring its own reward. For 
it is a boundless treasure to man. 



118 



THE FIRST BOOK. 



4. The self-collected man keeps watch over all 
the avenues of the heart; Me, his God and Saviour, 
he entertains within himself ; with Me he deals 
generously, with Me he converses familiarly. 

Everywhere self-possessed, he peacefully enjoys 
the Beloved of his soul, and is ever saved from 
wearisomeness, and from numberless faults. 

Whilst inwardly recollected, he makes progress 
in virtue ; and, in spite of every obstacle, he hastens 
on to perfection. 

Wherefore, allow not thy spirit to grow dissi- 
pated, My Child; neither on account of the appear- 
ance of external objects, nor on account of the va- 
ried throng of circumstances, nor on account of the 
urgency of labor, nor on account of the comfortless 
inward state of thy soul. 

Observe carefully, with what objects thy heart 
busies itself; by what it is moved, towards what it 
tends. 

Turn thyself wholly to interior things ; and, in- 
tent on these, preserve inward peace, and rejoice in 
My presence. 

5. The voice of the Disciple. — Grant me, I beseech 
Thee, Lord Jesus, an inward spirit, that I may 
keep my heart for Thee, that I may watch over its 
employments. 

For I find it ever busy : but, by reason of my 
neglectfulness, it heeds neither place, nor time, nor 
objects. 

Behold ! frequently have I surprised it in strange 



CHAPTER XXI. 



119 



places, pouring out its feelings, whether of love or 
of aversion, distracted with emotions, becoming 
stained by the objects which engaged it. 

Frequently have I found it to steal away and give 
itself up to dissipation, at the hours, yea at the very 
moments, which were specially consecrated to Thee ; 
and when it ought to have been praying to Thee, 
praising Thee, loving Thee, enjoying Thee. 

How often have I seen it engaged with objects 
vain, or even forbidden, when it should have occu- 
pied itself with things good or useful ! 

When unguarded, it slips forthwith away, it runs 
to and fro, it is carried towards different objects, ac- 
cording as it is swayed by different impulses of 
nature. 

It is never at rest : when it escapes from one ob- 
ject, it is entangled in another. It is excited by 
curiosity, it is allured by cupidity, it is misled by 
vanity, it is denied by pleasure, it is wasted by sad- 
ness, it is tortured by envy, it is disturbed by love 
and hatred, it is worried by its own misery, and by 
worrying itself it is broken down. 

Thus is my heart busied, thus is it defiled, when 
I watch not over it, or when I am careless about it. 

6. Lord ! how great the need of being vigilant ! 
How great the need of guarding my heart ! It must 
not only be made to stay at home in reco^ection, 
but it must also be kept busy, yet only with Thee or 
for Thee. 

I must examine, then, by what it is impelled, 



120 



TELE FIRST BOOK. 



whether by nature or by grace: how it acts, whether 
according to Thy good pleasure, or according to its 
own natural likings i what it has ultimately in view, 
Thee or itself. 

And I must watch constantly, until my heart, in 
some manner, has grown accustomed, sweetly and 
courageously to follow, for love of Thee, the motion 
of grace. 

Jesus ! of how great an importance is this 
work ! whatever efforts be needed to accomplish it. 
behold! I will not cease to pursue the same, until 
I see it perfected. 

If I loved Thee, if I were all captivated with Thy 
love, how easily, and how speedily should this work 
be completed ! For, if my heart were filled with 
love for Thee, it would repose in Thee, it would not 
stray from Thee : — in Thee it would find its happi- 
ness; all else it would, of its own accord, drive off 
or cast away. 

sweetest Jesus ! how wonderful is Thy love! 
Replenish Thou my heart with Thy love and Thy 
grace, and my heart will gladly stand watch over 
itself, will zealously reserve itself for Thee. 



CHAPTER XXII. 



121 



CHAPTER XXII. 

OF THE SHORTNESS OP THIS LIFE. 

1. The voice of Jesus. — My Child, in all thy 
works, remember thy last end ; and thou shalt never 
sin. 

Whilst thou hast time, do whatever thou canst 
for eternity, mindful that thy life is exceedingly 
short. Soon thou must return to the earth, out of 
which thou wast taken ; for dust thou art, and into 
dust thou shalt return. 

What is the life of man upon earth ? A vapor, 
which appears, for a little time, then vanishes away, 
and leaves not even a vestige behind. 

Ever since thou wast born, thou hast not ceased 
to hasten on to death ; neither is it in thy power to 
stay thy steps. 

2. Think over the time thou hast lived. Does it 
not appear like a dream ? Yet know, My Child, 
that it shall seem still more so, when death is near, 
which thou must meet full soon. 

For what is even the longest life ? Behold ! the 
number of man's days are threescore and ten years : 
and, if he be among the powerful, fourscore years. 
But, compared with eternity, these years are ac- 
counted as a drop in the waters of the ocean. 

Nay more, the time of this life, placed in com- 
parison with the endless duration of the life here* 
11 




122 



THE FIRST BOOK. 



after, is only a point. Yet on this point is hung 
thy eternity, whether of bliss or of woe. 

Yea, hadst thou lived from the beginning of the 
world, even to this hour, if thou wert now about to 
die, what should this life bo worth to thee, when 
thou art entering into eternity ; in which there are 
neither days, nor years, nor ages, but which flows 
perpetually onward, through an uninterrupted for- 
ever. 

3. Wherefore, My Child, understand well the 
value of time. Time is the measure of life : as 
much as thou squanderest of time, so much dost 
thou lose of thy life. 

Time exceeds in value all the treasures of this 
world. With all the riches of earth, thou couldst 
not purchase a second of time : but, with time, ever- 
lasting treasures may be secured. 

Oh ! could the dead return from eternity, thinkest 
thou that they would misspend even a moment? 
that they would not employ it ; some to free them- 
selves from punishments, others to increase their 
merits ? 

But alas ! though nothing is more precious than 
time, to many there is naught more wearisome. 

There are those, — not only among persons that 
follow the spirit of the world, but even among such 
as make a profession of piety, — to whom time seems 
a burden. They complain of its dullness ; they 
love to waste it ; they rejoice when they have spent- 
it uselessly, but without irksomeness. 



CHAPTER XXII. 



123 



And thus they squander, in dishonoring* Me, and 
in harming themselves, that by means of which they 
were able and obliged to glorify Me ; to help their 
neighbor ; to gather treasures of merit for eternity. 

4. Frequently call to mind, My Child, for what 
purpose thou didst enter into this world. Evidently 
for none other, except to prepare thyself for eter- 
nity. For, what else is the present life, if not a 
novitiate of eternity ? 

Whilst this brief career continues, thou hast 
numberless duties to fulfill. For, there are thy 
many faults to be atoned for ; thy soul to be saved 
and sanctified ; hell to be escaped ; Purgatory to be 
avoided ; heaven to be secured ; thou hast a neigh- 
bor whom thou must edify and help to life ever- 
lasting ; lastly, thou hast to honor and glorify Me, 
in a befitting manner, and with all thy powers. 

If thou do not this during life, after it, time shall 
be no more : and, throughout eternity, thou shalt 
bear the consequences of thy heedlessness and 
neglect. 

Time is Mine, not thine : I have lent it to thee, 
that thou mayst use it to perform those things, 
which I demand, or desire of thee. 

If thou squanderest it, thou shalt one day be 
held to a most strict account : but if thcu usest it 
well, thou canst merit, at every moment, a new de- 
gree of grace, and of ever-enduring glory, 

5. Hearken, My Child : frequently imagine thy- 
self at that point, when time shall cease, and eter- 



124: 



THE FIRST BOOK. 



nity begin : and weigh, attentively, what thoughts 
will then occupy thy mind, both concerning all the 
past, and concerning the whole future. 

Behold ! eternity is thy dwelling-place : eternity 
is thy country : eternity is thy lasting home. 

Thou art a traveler and a stranger upon earth ; 
fleetly thou passest over it, in search of thy kindrea 
in eternity. Thither, all that have been, that are, 
and that shall be, must repair. There all, the 
great and the small, the rich and the poor, the well- 
formed and the misshapen, shall be without distinc- 
tion, except such a one as arises from virtue. 

Yet a little time, My Child, and thou also shalt 
be there. 

There shalt thou live : yea, live an endless life. 
Behold ! what a lofty thought, My. Child ! Time 
shall wing away its flight, ages shall succeed to 
ages, the world itself shall perish : but thou shalt 
never cease to be ; thou shalt never cease to live. 
Oh ! would, My Child, that thou didst understand 
this rightl} T ! 

6. If thou savest not thyself for eternity, who 
will save thee ? Most certainly, no one : not even 
I ; for, although I created thee without thee, I will 
not save thee without thee. 

And if thou dost not now work out thy salvation 
and perfection, how wilt thou do it hereafter ? 
The future is a time, which, perhaps, thou shalt not 
have, and which thou canst, by no means, promise 
to thyself. But even wert thou to possess it, the 



CHAPTER XXII. 



125 



matter would grow more difficult from day to day, 
and would induce thee to delay still farther : and 
thus thou shouldst stand, at the gates of eternity, 
still unprepared. 

Believe every day to be the last, and live each 
day in such a manner, that, when the Son of man 
comes, far from fearing, thou mayst be able to 
rejoice at His coining. 

Blessed is he whom, when I come, I shall find 
thus employed. Verily, I say, I will place him 
over all My possessions. 

7. The voice of the Disciple. — Lord, how short 
is life, and how many, and what great things have 
to be done during it ! But, alas ! how have I spent 
hitherto the time of my life ! 

All these things of supreme importance, which 
Thou gavest me to do for eternity, I have over- 
looked, as if they were of little or no worth. 

blindness ! wickedness of mine ! Although 
these things deserve to be wept over, with tears of 
blood, oh ! would that they were my worst trans- 
gressions ! Woe is me ! I have employed a great 
part of the time of my life in tormenting and griev- 
ing Thy Heart, in committing and heaping up sins 
for myself. 

Much of it have I wasted in serving the world, 
in seeking after its empty possessions, in pursuing 
its fruitless glory, deceitful pleasures, trifles of 
every kind. 

Much of it have I squandered in satisfying my- 



126 



THE FIRST BOOK. 



self, in fostering self-love, in gratifying the inclina- 
tions of nature, yea, even in things which other- 
wise were good and pious. 

my Saviour ! how wretchedly have I lived ! 
Instead of virtues and merits, I have gathered wood, 
and straw, and stubble, to feed the fire, and burn 
myself in the life to come. 

Pardon, I entreat Thee, pardon the evils, I 
have done : grant me grace to redeem lost time, to 
repair the past and make it good, by fervently em- 
ploying what still remains of my life, in those 
things for the performing of which it was given me. 

The source of my misfortunes was, that I did 
not love Thee, Lord Jesus ; that I felt indifferent 
toward Thee; that I was defiled with a corrupt 
and corrupting love for other objects. 

my Grod, Thou who hast freed me from so great 
a curse, I beseech Thee, enkindle my heart with 
that fire of love, with which Thy Heart is burning. 
This most hallowed flame will utterly destroy my 
offenses ; this will arouse me faithfully to perform 
whatever is enjoined to secure a blissful eternity. 



CHAPTER XXIII. 



127 



CHAPTER XXIII. 

OP DEATH. 

1. The voice of Jesus. — My Child, remember, 
thou must die : because it is appointed for all men 
once to die. 

Do whatever thou wilt, thou canst by no possible 
effort escape the grasp of death. The Almighty 
Himself has fixed the bounds, beyond which none 
can pass. When thou hast reached them, no mat- 
ter what may be thy condition, thou shalt die the 
death. 

Whilst life endures, there is naught more certain 
than death : yet there is naught more hidden in 
uncertainty, than the time of death, and its attend- 
ant surroundings. 

Thou knowest not, indeed, when thou shalt die : 
yet, hold this for certain, that thou shalt die, when 
thou thinkest not. 

Whether thou shalt see the end of this year, or 
even of this day, of that thou art wholly ignorant. 

Many, counting on a long life, and regardless of 
making preparation for death, dream of much to be 
done in the future ; when suddenly death puts an 
end to all their plans, and drags them away into 
eternity. 

Whether thou shalt die at home, or abroad ; of 
sickness, or by violence ; whether strengthened with 



128 



THE FIRST BOOK. 



the Sacraments, or deprived of their soothing com- 
forts, all this lies hidden in the mysterious un- 
known. 

2. However, My Child, thou shalt die only once : 
if once thou diest well, thy everlasting bliss is se- 
cured ; if once thou diest ill, thy destruction is 
endless and irreparable. 

inconceivable stupidity of the heart of man ! 
Very many fear not to live in a state of damnation ; 
and yet it is certain, that they shall die unexpect- 
edly. The unchangeable declaration remains firm : 
The Son of man will come, when He is not ex- 
pected. 

For a reason worthy of God's Wisdom, the time 
of His coming remains hidden, that men may keep 
themselves in the state of grace — ever ready. But, 
as many disregard this, it happens that not a few 
die without being prepared, and in a twinkling are 
buried in hell. 

Woe, therefore, to them whom death shall over- 
take in a bad state ! When they are dead, hope 
shall be no more ; because from a death in time, 
they fall into the death of eternity, and from finite 
evils they pass over to those which are infinite. 

Most wretched is the death of sinners : frightful 
is the death of the lukewarm ; but precious, and 
filled with consolation, is the death of them that 
have sanctified themselves. 

Blessed are they who end a saintly life with a 
holy death ! They reach the end of their labors, 



CHAPTER XXIII. 



129 



their afflictions, their trials, and of all dingers, and 
they enter into a bliss secure and complete. 

3. How differently are different persons im- 
pressed at the moment of death ! some are terror- 
stricken at the thought of the past, of the present, 
and of the future ; others are filled with comfort : 
these feel their hearts dilating, those feel them 
compressed with anguish : but all wish that they 
had lived piously. 

To be well prepared to die, is the greatest conso- 
lation of him that sees the near approach of death. 

To how great a danger of dying unprepared is he 
exposed, who thinks of making ready only when 
death is at the door ! then, either time is wanting, 
or the pangs of sickness hinder the use of the soul's 
powers, or passions still have their wonted sway, 
whilst the habit of neglecting to correspond to 
grace still prevails; and, meanwhile, the devil's as- 
saults are greater than ever before. 

Look forward, then, My Child, before the night 
overtake thee, wherein no one can securely work, 
but when every one begins to garner, what he has 
sown. 

A good life is the best preparation for death. It 
is generally true, that he that lives well, dies well. 

Daily, before retiring to thy nightly rest, put thy 
soul in order, as if, the same night, thou hadst to 
set out for eternity. 

£ Death is a good counselor, My Child ; where- 
fore, before thou undertakest, or leavest off, aught 



130 



THE FIRST BOOK. 



of importance, ask advice of death, that thou mayst 
know, when it calls thee, what thou wouldst like to 
have done, what thou wouldst regret to have left 
undone. 

By perfect purity of heart thou canst make thy 
death most safe and consoling. 

Take no counsel of the flesh, when there is ques- 
tion of securing a happy death ; but, even in spite 
of its murmurings, pursue what is good, that, in 
the end, thou mayst save both the body and the 
soul. 

After death thy body shall become the food of 
worms, and whatever remains of it, shall be the 
prey of corruption. 

Yet, thereafter, it shall arise again, whether thou 
art willing or not, to share the everlasting destiny 
of the soul. 

Let death be most familiar to thee, My Child. 
If thou be faithful in asking its advice, and in fol- 
lowing it, it will be thy solace in adversity, it will 
keep thee in due bounds in prosperity, it will be 
useful to thee in all things, it will not cease to do 
thee good ; and, in the end, it will free thee from 
this place of exile, and introduce thee into thy 
blissful country in heaven. 

5. The voice of the Disciple. — Is it possible, 
Lord, that any one will hold himself unprepared, 
when at any moment he may have to meet death ? 

My conscience bears me witness, what I shall 
wish for at the approach of death : then my sole 



CHAPTER XXIII. 



131 



desire shall be that I had led a life of innocence ; 
that for Thee I had kept my heart undefiled ; that 
I had sanctified my soul. 

But, alas ! should death overtake me now, I should 
wish for all this in vain ; since, as yet, I possess no 
sign of holiness, but rather many marks of luke- 
warmness. 

compassionate and merciful Lord, bear with 
me a little while, that I may weep over my neglect- 
fulness, and that I may do what I would desire to 
have performed, when death comes. 

6. my soul, soon time shall be no more. Let 
others do as they list : let us, whilst yet there is 
time, devote ourselves to the work of our salva- 
tion. 

Each one for himself. When death comes no 
one can take our place ; nor can any one, in our 
stead, go into eternity. Whatever, therefore, others 
may say or do, let us place our everlasting destiny 
beyond all danger. 

And what means, Lord Jesus, can be better, 
and safer, than a true love for Thee, disengaged 
from every thing besides ; since this both cleanses 
us from our faults, and renders us holy ? 

If I love Thee truly, I will not fear death, nor 
aught of all that follows thereafter. Thy love will 
drive away fear : Thy love will enable me to ap- 
proach Thee with confidence. 

Thou, then, Jesus, my love, be Thou hence- 



132 



THE FIRST BOOK. 



forth my life. If Thou art my life, to die shall be 
my gain. 

For love of Thee, let me daily die to sin, to the 
world, to myself, that I may live for Thee: let me 
become free from things created, and be made 
wholly pure, so that, when death opens the door, I 
may appear before Thee rejoicingly. 



CHAPTER XXIV. 

OF JUDGMENT. 

li The voice of Jesus. — My Child, so soon as thou 
hast gone into eternity, thou shalt find thyself be- 
fore My Judgment-seat, to give an account of thy 
life, and to hear the decision of thy lot forever. 

I Myself, the Searcher and Knower of hearts, — 
to whom all power is given in heaven and on earth, — 
I will preside over this judgment. 

All and every one, whether they be willing or 
not, must make their appearance before Me, the 
Judge of the living and the dead, to receive the 
final sentence : nor is it possible thereafter to ap- 
peal to another tribunal. 

What is just, I will judge: neither by gifts nor 
by promises will I be conciliated ; nor shall the 
prayers of any one change My Heart; neither will 
I be moved by repentance. 



CHAPTER XXIV. 



133 



That day shall be a day of justice, not of mercy. 
Then shall each one receive according to his works. 

2. What shall thy feeling be then, My Child, 
when thou shalt stand alone before the infinite 
Majesty, with naught except thy works alone, 
whether they be good or evil ? 

Then will the devil arise in judgment against 
thee, and accuse thee, ready to drag thee into hell. 

Thy Guardian Angel will stand up against thee, 
to bear witness to the truth of what is brought 
against thee. 

Nay, even thy own conscience will accuse thee, 
and overwhelm thee with alarm, and dread, and 
terror. 

Thus accused, with none to take thy defense, 
thou shalt wither away for fear ; nor shalt thou dare 
to open thy mouth. 

3. For all things, whether they be known or un- 
known, are in My sight ; nor is there any thing hid- 
den from My eyes. 

Yet, searching I will search the heart, from the 
first dawn of its reason, even to the last breath of 
its life. 

From it will I draw forth every evil, be it public 
or private ; whether its own work, or that of an- 
other ; whether great or small ; whatever thou hast 
committed by thought, and word, and deed, and 
omission. 

And not only of things evil, but also of those 



134 



THE FIRST BOOK. 



that are vain, or idle, or useless, will I exact an 

account. 

iSay more, justice itself will I judge : I will 
weigh, in the scales of the sanctuary, even thy good 
deeds, and see what was wanting in them ; either 
in the motive, in the manner of doing, or in the end 
intended, scrutinizing whether all was supernatural 
and perfect. 

Then, many things, which, during life, appearei 
good, shall be found void and evil. 

Then, the showy semblances of the virtues of the 
lukewarm, shall be seen as they are, and shall be 
cast aside, as dry stubble, fit only to be burnt. 

And, searching still further, I will seek out the 
fruit of all the favors which I bestowed, of all the 
graces, of all the means of salvation and perfection. 

Yea, I will summon time itself against thee, and 
I will thoroughly investigate in what manner thou 
didst use it. 

4. What shalt thou do then, sinner, when even 
the just shall hardly be secure? 

Above thee thou shalt descry a heaven uncertain, 
below the yawning abyss ; at thy right, Angels as 
witnesses ; at thy left, demons enraged ; before thee, 
the supreme Arbiter of life and death. 

5. Ah ! My Child, now act with care, that thou 
mayst find safety then. Now it is easy, then it 
shall be impossible. 

Follow now the invitings of iVly mercy, that thou 
mayst not then feel the severity of My justice. 



CHAPTER XXIV. 



135 



Now withdraw thyself wholly from a depraved 
world, that then, with reprobate worldlings, thou 
mayst not be forced to hear : Depart, ye accursed, 
into everlasting fire. 

Now, un trammeled by aught of earth, follow thou 
the Saints, that with them, thou mayst be worthy 
then to hear : Come, ye Blessed of My Father, pos- 
sess the Kingdom prepared for you from the found- 
ation of the world. 

6. The voice of the Disciple. — Lord ! how much 
better it is, here to examine and judge myself 
strictly, that I may not be condemned before Thy 
Judgment-seat ! 

How much better, here to weigh well all my 
thoughts, and words, and deeds, that I may plainly 
see whether they are good, whether they are wholly 
according to Thy will, whether they shall be able 
to stand Thy searching, and deserve Thy ap- 
proval ! 

At present there is still a remedy, then every 
effort shall prove unavailing : now mercy is still 
offered me, then justice will thunder forth : Give 
an account of every thing. 

Lord, Lord ! if thou wilt mark iniquities, who 
shall endure it? If Thou searchest also things in- 
different, yea, even those that are good, who can 
stand before Thee ? 

Jesus ! although I am inwardly rejoiced that 
Thou, and none other, art to be my Judge, yet, 
when I reflect that I am obliged to give an account 



136 THE FIRST BOOK. 

of matters so numerous and so dreadful, T tremble 
with fear. 

For, on what can I rely, when even my good 
deeds must be mistrusted ? On what shall I ground 
my hope ? Behold ! naught do I find, whereon to 
place a safe reliance, except on Thy Heart. 

In this, therefore, will I hope : for, though It 
shall then be the Heart of my Judge, yet It will 
still remain the Heart of my Jesus, of One that 
loves them that love Him. 

my Jesus ! be mindful of Thy word, in which 
Thou hast given me hope : for Thou hast said: Who 
loves Me, him also will I love. 

If I love Thee, and am loved by Thee, then will 
I surely not fear to come and appear before Thee. 

Lo, therefore, what I will do : I will love Thee, 
most lovely and most loving Jesus ; I will love 
Thee with my whole heart, and love Thee all the 
days of my life. 



CHAPTER XXV. 

OF HELL. 

1. The voice of Jesus. — My Child, so long as 
men live, I do, in some manner, love them all ; 
the good I cherish with a divine affection ; the 
wicked I tolerate, because I await their conver- 
sion ; and I go in search of those that are straying. 



CHAPTER XXV. 



137 



My Heart, wherein I bear them all written, devises 
and uses a thousand ways and means to save all. 

But, if there are any who disappoint the hope3 
of My mercy, if they come to judgment laden with 
the guilt of grievous sin, confirmed in their ob- 
stinacy ; I will blot them altogether out of My 
Heart, and, with the thunderbolts of My justice, I 
will hurl them into the depths of hell. 

2. There, they are bereft of heaven and all its 
delights, and never shall they behold My counte- 
nance in the kingdom of My glory. 

They endure an infinite punishment : because 
they have lost an infinite good. 

Plunged in a shoreless lake of fire, they burn 
and suffer for evermore ; and the smoke of their 
tortures mounts up unendingly. 

All evils rush upon them. There, every sense 
of the body, every power of the soul, shall have its 
own and proper punishment. 

In that, whereby each has sinned, shall he be 
specially tormented : as much as he has delighted 
in evil, so much is he tortured with pain. 

There, the unclean are forever devoured with a 
burning heat, overwhelmed with intolerable stench, 
gnawed by never-dying worms. 

There, the wickedly rich are oppressed by ex- 
treme want ; and suffer a most frightful hunger and 
thirst, nor shall they find relief forever. 

There, they that wrongly sought after honors, 
12 



138 



THE FIRST BOOK. 



are infinitely debased, and despised and trodden 
under foot by the very demons. 

There, no interruption is felt in torments, not 
even for a moment ; but they continue, and shall 
continue forever and ever. 

There, every one receives according to his 
deserts. 

3. The place, the masters, the company, every- 
thing superadds to the punishments, in an incon- 
ceivable manner. 

What can there be more terrible than the dun- 
geons of hell, where no ray of light, no order, but 
continued darkness and everlasting horror dwell ? 

What more cruel than the demons, who exhaust 
their arts to invent new tortures, and their strength 
to inflict them ? 

What more gloomy than that wretched throng 
of sufferers, howling endlessly, hopelessly? As many 
companions as there are suffering, so many new 
torments are experienced. 

4. Behold ! so shall he be punished, who is un- 
willing to serve Me, his God, his Creator, his Re- 
deemer, his unwearied Benefactor. 

As I live, every knee shall be bent to Me, and all 
nations shall serve Me. 

Whoever does not willingly serve My goodness 
in time, shall unwillingly serve My justice in eter- 
nity. 

Be not amazed, My Child, at the punishment of 
the damned : they themselves are not astounded^ 



CHAPTER XX V. 



139 



but confess that they receive things wortl y of their 
deeds. 

No one goes to the torments of hell against his 
will : all the reprobate rush thither of their own 
free choice ; therefore, they complain of no one, 
except themselves. 

They confess, that I am infinitely bountiful, and 
acknowledge, that they are exceedingly wicked. 

5. The gate of hell is sin ; the paths that lead 
to the same, whatever allures man to sin. 

How many have perished by an unlawful desire 
for pleasure, by an inordinate love of riches, by a 
wicked pursuit of honors ! 

Long thou for naught, My Child, which may en- 
tangle thee in its toils, and afterwards hurl thee 
into the abyss. 

Nor is it less dangerous, in all things to seek 
thyself. How many, alas ! there are, who seem to 
begin well, but who, because they do not abandon self, 
relapse" at length — are thrust into deeper evils, and, 
finally, are miserably lost ! 

To escape hell, therefore, it is not enough to 
have begun well, but it is necessary to have per- 
severed in well-doing. 

Forsake sin and the world forever, lest thou be in 
the end forsaken by Me : forsake, moreover, thy- 
self, lest by thy own weight, thou be dragged down 
to the lowest depths. 

Do all, dearly beloved, endure all, that thou 
mayst avoid never-ending torments. All the labors 



140 



THE FIRST BOOK. 



and afflictions of this life, are as naught, when com- 
pared with the sufferings of hell. 

Here upon earth, in a short time, there shall he 
an end to labors and sorrows : but there is no being 
redeemed out of hell. 

6. The voice of the Disciple. — Lord, our 
God ! how awful is Thy justice in eternity ! Never- 
theless, Thy judgments are just, yea, acknowledged 
just by the reprobate themselves. 

But, although nothing terrifies me more than 
hell, yet, I know of nothing better adapted to 
awaken in my heart a love for Thee. 

How, indeed, Lord Jesus, can I think of the 
fire of hell, without being inflamed with love for 
Thee? 

What is there, that manifests, in a more sensible 
manner, the bounty of Thy Heart towards me ? 
what is there, that presses me more forcibly to love 
Thee in return ? 

Behold ! if Thou shouldst free some reprobate 
soul from the torments of hell, and if to her, thus 
restored to this life, Thou shouldst give most plen- 
tiful means, whereby she might not only save her- 
self, in an easy manner, but also gain an everlasting 
throne of glory in heaven : how would that soul 
love Thee ! Would she think that she could ever 
be able to show Thee sufficient thankfulness ? 
Could she ever think of hell, without wholly melt- 
ing with love for Thee ? how pure would she 



CIIAPTElt XXV. 



141 



keep her heart for Thee i how samt-like would 
she live for Thee ! 

Now, Lord, I am indebted to Thee for much 
more than that soul should be. By preserving me 
from the pains of hell, Thou didst far greater and 
better things for me. For, is it not a greater and 
better blessing to be entirely kept from an evil, 
than to be released from it, after having undergone 
its pangs ? 

Yet, these things, so astonishing, so wonderful, 
so sweet, Thou didst do for me ; not once, not twice, 
not thrice, but as often as I committed mortal sin. 

Had I committed no mortal sin, my obligation 
should still be greater, my debt of gratitude should 
be increased, as well as my reasons for loving Thee. 
For I should be infinitely more obliged to Thee. 

Had not the infinite goodness of Thy Heart pre- 
served me by grace, how long ago might I have 
fallen into a sin deserving of hell ! For there is 
no sin which one commits, which another may not 
also commit, unless Thou prevent him by a special 
grace. 

Whatever, then, I may have been, this most 
sweet Jesus, this I owe, first of all, to Thee, that I 
am not now in hell, that I am still able to gain 
heaven. Thou hast freed me from destruction : 
Thou hast freed me, according to the multitude and 
greatness of the goodness of Thy Heart, from the 
depth of hell, from the hands of them that lay in 
wait for my soul. 



142 



THE FIRST BOOK. 



Come ye, therefore, and T will tell you all ye 
that fear the Lord, what great things He has done 
for my soul. 

Should I, then, not love Thee, Jesus, infinite 
Goodness ! Should I not cherish Thee ! yea, I 
love Thee, I love Thee above all things ; and I will 
continue to love Thee thus, as long as I have being, 
forever and ever. Thou alone shalt possess all my 
affections : for Thee, Jesus, will I live, for Thee 
alone, to whom I owe my all. 



CHAPTER XXVI. 

OF HEAVEN. 

1. The voice of Jesus. — My Child, the eye has 
not seen, the ear has not heard, nor has the heart 
of man conceived, what things I have prepared for 
them, that love and serve Me faithfully to the end. 

Who can portray for those who have not expe- 
rienced it, what heaven is, — that blissful abode, 
from which all ills are banished, in which there is 
an overflowing of all good things ? 

No labor shall be there, no sorrow, no temptation, 
no danger : all these things have passed away with 
mortal life ; they have given place to perfect rest, to 
endless joy, to a peace that cannot be disturbed, to 
a security that none can take away. 



CHAPTER XXVI. 



143 



2. There shall be neither cold, nor heat ; neither 
inclemency, nor change of seasons; neither un- 
pleasant days, nor gloomy nights. Those realms 
of bliss are illumined by My everlasting glory, 
softened by the divine serenity of My countenance, 
enlivened by the infinite sweetness of My Heart, so 
that everything smiles in the purest light, in the 
newness of a heavenly spring, for evermore. 

Blessed are they that dwell therein ! They 
neither hunger, nor thirst ; nor are they subject to 
aught that is unpleasant ; nor shall they be weak- 
ened in vigor forever. 

There they are replenished and inebriated from 
the torrent of the delights of God ; they nourish in 
perpetual youth, and, immortal, they shine brighter 
than the sun for all eternity. 

3. My Child, there thou shalt behold Me as I 
am, and gaze upon Me face to face, in the most en- 
trancing splendors of My Majesty. 

There, by the intuition of My infinite perfections, 
thou shalt be rapt with admiration, aud overflow 
with bliss; in the excess of thy joy thou shalt, of 
thy own accord, burst forth in boundless praises, 
and exaltation of My most lovely Attributes. 

Then also thou shalt understand the mysteries 
of faith, and the secrets of nature. 

All the science of philosophers is but ignorance, 
when compared with the knowledge possessed by 
the least of the Elect. 

Then shalt thou view all the display of My ever- 



144 



THE FIRST BOOK. 



lasting kingdom, its unbounded treasures, its_ever- 
enduring dignities. 

At the contemplation of a loveliness so varied, 
and so great, thou shalt be inflamed with an ineffa- 
ble love for Me. 

4. Then, My Child, then, wilt thou love Me, in 
a perfect manner, without any division of thy affec- 
tions, without remissness, without end. 

Now, thou art sometimes in trouble, because thou 
knowest not whether thou art worthy of love or of 
hatred : then, to thy unutterable joy, thou shalt 
know with certainty, that thou lovest Me, and wilt 
love Me forever ; and that, in return, thou art loved, 
and shalt be loved by Me, throughout eternity. 

Then shalt thou repose on My Heart, with per- 
fect security ; and thou shalt taste how delightful it 
is, to love Me, and to melt away in My love. 

Thou shalt be inebriated with an exceeding great 
sweetness, and rapt above thyself ; thou shalt swim 
in an ocean of love, with the Angels and the Saints, 
amid jubilant hymns of love, for evermore. 

Thus shalt thou spend ages, and while away eter- 
nity, ever wishing, and ever longing, to love ; and, 
at the same time, ever sated, and ever blissful, with 
love. 

5. Then, at last, Child, shalt thou possess Me, 
and enjoy Me forever: which is the completing of 
beatitude. 

Thou shalt be wholly Mine, and I will be wholly 



CHAPTER XXVI. 



145 



thine : thou shalt enjoy Me, in a manner ever new, 
ever most delightful. 

In Me thou shalt possess every good, and have 
whatever thou canst wish or desire. 

Let thy mind conceive, if possible, how beautiful, 
how wonderful, how charming, all things are there : 
how rapturous to behold the glory and exquisite 
adornment of the heavens, to be present among the 
choirs of the Angels, to exult unceasingly with the 
Saints, to contemplate and love the most Blessed 
Virgin, the glorious Queen of the heavenly king- 
dom ; and, in return, to attract Her sweet looks, and 
gain Her love. 

What delightful dwellings, My Child ! what 
pleasant companionship ! what charming beatitude ! 
and all to endure forever and ever ! 

Behold, My Child, behold the exceeding great 
reward of those that serve Me with their whole 
heart. Can the world give such things ? or even 
promise them ? 

Lift up thy eyes, therefore, and see what awaits 
thee, if thou art faithful to Me even to the end. 

Be of good cheer, My Child ; and as much as 
thou art able, with the divine grace and thy own 
co-operation, cleanse thy heart and preserve it pure. 
For nothing defiled, be it ever so little, shall enter 
into heaven. 

But the purer thou art here, the more glorious 
shalt thou be there ; and the nearer to Me, and the 
dearer to My Heart. 
13 



146 



THE FIRST BOOK, 



6. The voice of the Disciple. — Jesus, how 
blessed are tliey, that dwell in heaven with Thee ! 

happy mortals they, who serve Thee with a 
clean heart ! what ineffable beatitude shall they en- 
joy in eternity ! yea, who is more happy than they, 
even in time ! 

bliss-creating service of Jesus, which gains 
such a reward ! thou renderest easy and pleasant 
all things, that lead to so great a glory and blessed- 
ness. 

most sweet Jesus, bid me do, bid me suffer, for 
Thy sake, whatever Thou wilt : willingly and gladly 
do I embrace everything, that I may please Thee 
in time, and possess Thee in eternity. 

By Thy most Sacred Heart, do I entreat Thee, 
lead me safe, through whatever way Thou mayst 
choose, into Thy kingdom ; that, with the Angels 
and Saints, I may behold Thee, love Thee, enjoy 
Thee, for evermore. Amen. 



DIRECTORY FOR THE SECOND BOOK- 



L The object of the Second Book is, to teach 
us — after we have become disengaged from our evil 
and inordinate affections, how we should exert our- 
selves, that, by the practice of virtue, we may be 
enabled to make our election sure. In order to do 
this the more efficaciously, and the more sweetly, 
at the same time, we should place before our eyes 
Jesus, with the inward dispositions of His Heart; 
because, by following Him who is the way, the 
truth, and the life, we shall proceed, with safety, 
certainty, and pleasure, from virtue to virtue, and 
secure our salvation. 

The practice of the virtues, by which we may 
follow the Heart of Jesus, and express His interior 
life in ourselves, can, in every state and condition 
of life, be performed in two ways. The first, by 
practicing those virtues which are of precept, and 
which the state and condition of every one require. 
The second, by exercising, according to the divine 
good pleasure, those virtues also, which are of 
counsel, whereby our salvation is better secured, 
and the divine glory and our merits are the wore 
increased. But since both these w r ays contain 
limitless degrees, whereby virtue is ever practiced 
with greater perfection, there is no one, Low perfect 

(147) 



148 DIRECTORY FOR THE SECOND BOOK. 



soever lie may be, who cannot here occupy bin. self 
profitably, and gather more abundant fruit. 

As, however, Jesus willed that, in the imitation 
of His virtues, we should, above all, be humble and 
meek of heart, we must diligently attend and take 
care, both that, whatever virtues we learn and imitate 
in Him, we place them upon true humility as their 
groundwork, and perfect them in a meek charity ; 
and again, that, in the very manner of imitating His 
virtues, we be especially meek and humble of heart. 

2. Nowhere can we learn virtues more safely, 
and more easily, than in the Heart of Jesus. For, 
as that Heart is the pattern of true virtue, by 
merely looking upon It with attention, we shall see 
what virtue is, and what qualities it ought to pos- 
sess : neither shall we run the risk of erring in a 
matter which is to us of so much importance, both 
for time and eternity. Thence shall w r e learn, to 
our unspeakable consolation, that virtue is a right 
affection of the heart for an object, which is, in 
some manner, good : and we shall perceive, that 
this good object, — which sometimes we call, figura- 
tively, virtue, — is not in truth virtue itself, but 
simply the object of virtue. Thence we shall like- 
wise learn, that virtue, in order to be such as it 
ought to be in every Christian, must not be natural, 
but supernatural ; and we shall clearly distinguish 
the difference between the two. The affections of 
the Heart of Jesus, which He reduced to acts, 
whether internal or external, did not spring from 



DIRECTORY FOR THE SECOND BOOK. 149 



an impulse or motion of His human nature, but 
from a supernal or divine principle ; they were not 
performed according to the sentiments of His human 
nature, but according to the divine good pleasure ; 
they did not tend to some temporal delight of His 
human nature, but throughout to God, as to their 
last end. 

Whence, if, from the impulse or emotion of mere 
nature, we strive after what is good ; if we act 
simply according to the feelings of nature, whether 
of inclination or aversion ; if we seek merely a 
natural end, we have only natural virtue, whereby 
we shall acquire no Christian perfection in this 
life, — no fruit of merit in eternity. But, if of 
the Heart of Jesus, we learn supernatural virtue, 
and the practice of the same ; replenished with 
graces and merits, we shall lead an interior life, like 
to His own. 

What is the interior life, — for which the life of 
the Heart of Jesus serves us as a model, — except 
to begin all our voluntary acts, internal as well as 
external, by the grace of God, or a supernatural 
principle ; to perform them according to God's 
Will ; to direct them to God and His interests, as 
to our end ; to occupy ourselves in our Heart with 
God, our Saviour ; and to live for Him by love ? 
Now, all this he does, who begins all his voluntary 
acts by the divine good pleasure : who performs them 
according to the divine good pleasure ; directs them 
to the divine good pleasure, as his end, — being 



150 DIRECTORY FOR THE SECOND BOOK. 



most constantly occupied internally with the Lord, 
through love. Behold the trulv interior life, 
by which genuine and solid virtues are acquired ; 
by winch we may attain, safely and sweetly, to true 
sanctity and divine union. This life is fitted for 
every state and condition ; it is adapted, not only 
to ecclesiastics and religious, but equally to all laics 
and persons in the world. Did not the first Chris- 
tians generally lead this life ? Does not the Gos- 
pel teach this life to all ? 

Whoever has a good will may lead this sanctify- 
ing life, practice supernatural virtue and attain to 
perfection. For, the acquiring, or not acquiring of 
virtue, does not depend on temperament, on a mild 
or passionate character, as many seem to believe : 
but it depends on the grace of God, and the co- 
operation of man's will. For, since God gives 
grace, not in view of natural qualities, but first 
gratuitously, and afterwards also in consideration 
of supernatural merits and prayers ; and since the 
human will, whatever be the natural disposition 
of a man, is truly free to co-operate, or not to co- 
operate with grace, it is evident, that virtue does 
not depend on temperament or natural disposition. 
Wherefore, we acquire virtue the better, and the 
more perfectly, not in proportion as our natural 
disposition is yielding, but in proportion as our co- 
operation is more efficacious : we reach a more pure 
:.nd more solid virtue, not by reason of the fewness 
of natural repugnances \?e feel, but by means of the 



DIRECTORY YOU $Ut SKCO.ND BOOK. 151 

more generous acts of the will, which we perform, 
in spite of natural repugnances. This doctrine, so 
full of consolation, — which the Saints unanimously 
teach, and which they learned of the very Heart 
of Jesus, — deserves our whole attention. 

In the practice of virtue, we must guard against 
delusions, among which this one is the chief and 
most common : That we are satisfied with produc- 
ing the object of a virtue, whilst we do not practice 
the virtue itself; or, that we believe that we practice 
a virtue, when we bring forward the object of vir- 
tue through a natural inclination or intention ; or, 
even, that we think, we can acquire true and solid 
virtue, without repeated and generous acts, whereby 
the emotions of the passions, and the impulses of 
nature are overcome or denied. They that neglect 
to cleanse their heart perfectly, are especially wont 
to fall into this dreadful delusion. Other delusions, 
which may occasionally occur in the practice of 
virtue, arise nearly all from the preceding. Such 
are : on the one h;md, to grow despondent in mind, 
on account of the difficulties or oppositions of na- 
ture : to look upon these as obstacles to virtue, not 
as means, — such as they may be in reality, if they 
are used with a generous heart, — to acquire true 
and solid virtue : on the other hand, to deem the 
good qualities of nature, freedom from vices or 
temptations, a virtue; or, even, overlooking true 
and solid virtue, to aspire to divine union. Now, 
these, and other delusions, you will easily avoid, if, 



152 DIRECTORY FOR THE SECOND BOOK. 



like a true Disciple of the Heart of Jesus, you lead 
an interior life. 

3. When, therefore, you have come to that part 
of the spiritual life, which the Heart of Jesus 
teaches in this Book, you should direct your en- 
deavors to this : to know and love Jesus as per- 
fectly as you can, to learn and acquire, ever better 
and better, in thinking, in speaking, in acting, the 
dispositions of His Heart. To attain to this, besides 
the two methods of meditating, — which are given 
before the first Book, and which you may also em- 
ploy here, if you find them useful, — what follows, 
will enable you to understand more fully this 
matter. 

4. The proper method of using the second Book 
is twofold : the one of meditating, the other of con- 
templating: both agree entirely with what the 
Saints have taught us concerning mental prayer. 

If you meditate, let the memory represent to you 
some virtue of the Heart of Jesus, and let it retain 
the same, after the meditation ; so as to put it in 
practice. 

Let the understanding consider the qualities of 
the virtue proposed ; then, let it compare your own 
heart with the Heart of Jesus, in regard to the vir- 
tue considered ; afterwards, let it recall your past 
life, whether and how far you have practiced this 
virtue ; if sufficiently, return thanks, and give 
honor to God, your Saviour ; but, if the contrary, 
grieve and ask pardon ; lastly, let it look forward 



DIRECTORY FOR THE SECOND BOOK. 153 



into the future, considering when, and how, you can 
improve this virtue. 

Let the will embrace the same virtue, excite in- 
ternal acts of the same; yea, conversing with Jesus 
Himself, let it utter the sentiments of the heart : 
for what it is sorry, what it proposes ; what it fears, 
what it hopes ; what it dislikes, what it loves ; nay, 
let it devoutly communicate its every desire, and, 
finally, ask much. 

But, if you contemplate, see in the mystery, or 
in the particular subject which you propose to con- 
template, what are the sentiments of the Heart of 
Jesus, or of Jesus in His Heart, concerning ail and 
eacn of the things that occur in the subject ; what 
He esteems, and how highly; what He condemns^ 
and how greatly ; what He shuns, and what He 
embraces. 

Then, give heed, in this matter, to the words 
which issue from the Heart of Jesus, and what 
words are not even thought in His Heart, much less 
uttered. 

Lastly, observe, in the same manner, what kind 
of acts proceed from the Heart of Jesus, and with 
what virtues they are adorned. 

And, throughout the whole contemplation, ac- 
cording to your devotion, or your wants, or the 
motions of grace, indulge and persist in acts, that 
is, pious affections and petitions. 

Learn, in this manner, by contemplation, to feel> 
and speak, and act, like Jesus Himself. 



154 DIRECTORY FOR THE SECOND BOOK. 



The acts, specially recommended in this part of 
the interior life, besides acts of the theological vir- 
tues, are frequent acts of that virtue to which you 
are applying yourself, of generous self-abnegation 
of your ill-ordered nature, of a noble love of Jesus. 
Repeat these constantly. 

But, whether you meditate, or whether you con- 
template, you ought so to consider the mysteries of 
the life of Jesus, as if you were present at them: 
which is expressly taught by St. Bonaventure : " If 
you desire," says he, " to derive fruit from these 
things, you must, with all the affection of your 
mind, setting aside all other cares and anxieties, 
represent yourself as present at what is related to 
have been spoken or done by the Lord Jesus Christ; 
in such a manner as if you heard them with your 
ears, saw them with your eyes." 

5. The Saints, who were skilled in the interior 
ways of the spiritual life, teach us, that the de- 
mon, the evil spirit, is more wont to tempt, under 
the appearance of good, those who, leading a life 
already exempt from sins, exercise themselves in 
acquiring virtues. Wherefore, to such persons, 
they recommend the following rules, to enable 
them to discern between the good and the evil 
spirit, and between the suggestions of either. 

I. In those who are advancing from good to bet- 
ter, the good Spirit moves the soul peacefully, 
calmly, gently : 



DIRECTORY FOR THE SECOND BOOK. 155 



The evil spirit moves the soul roughly, confus- 
edly, violently. 

But on those who proceed from had to worse, the 
said spirits act in a contrary manner. For the 
good Spirit stings them inwardly, disquiets and 
arouses them, that he may bring them to conver-. 
sion. 

And the wicked spirit endeavors to make them 
quiet in sin, caresses, and natters them, that he 
may keep and push them onward in evil. 

II. It is peculiar to God, as well as to every 
good Spirit, in His motions, to give to them that 
act rightly, or use sincere efforts, true joy and 
spiritual consolation, and to remove the sadness 
and trouble, which the evil spirit causes. 

And it is the characteristic of the evil spirit to 
fight against such joy and consolation, by adduc- 
ing specious reasons, subtleties, and various falla- 
cies. 

III. The evil spirit observes very much, whether 
a soul possesses a delicate or a loose conscience : If 
it is a delicate one, he strives to render it still more 
delicate, even to scrupulousness and every extreme, 
so that he may the more easily trouble and over- 
come her : thus, if he sees that a soul commits no 
mortal sin, nor venial, nor any voluntary defect, 
the evil spirit, as he cannot make her fall into some 
sin, tries to cause her to judge and think that a sin, 
which is not sin : 

But if the soul is of lax conscience, the evil spirit 



156 DIRECTORY FOR THE SECOND BOOK. 



strives to make her still more lax and gross ; so 
that, if before she made no account of venial 
sins, he endeavors to induce her now to make light 
of mortal sins; and, if before she cared little for 
grievous sins, he uses his efforts to make her now 
care much less, or even nothing at all, for them. 

IV. A soul that desires to make progress in the 
spiritual life, must always proceed in a manner. con- 
trary to that by which the evil spirit proceeds. 
Wherefore, if he tries to make the soul more lax, 
she must take care to render herself more delicate : 
in like manner, if he endeavors to make her so del- 
icate, as to lead her to extremes, or to scruples, she 
should manage to place herself firmly in the golden 
mean, so that she may render and keep herself al- 
together quiet. 

V. It is the characteristic of the evil spirit, 
who transforms himself sometimes into an angel of 
light, to begin by thrusting in thoughts conform- 
able to the pious soul, and to finish, by suggesting 
his own wicked ones. 

VI. The soul should rightly attend to the 
course of the thoughts suggested : for if the be- 
ginning, the middle, and the end are good, and 
tend to a good object, it is a sign that the thoughts 
suggested come from the good Spirit : but if in the 
succession of tho.ughts, which the spirit suggests, 
he ends with something bad, — or which turns away 
from a certain good, — or even with a less good 
than that which the soul had before resolved to do : 



DIRECTORY FOR THE SECOND BOOK. 157 



or, if he renders the soul restless, or disturbs her, 
by taking away the tranquillity and peace which 
she enjoyed before, it is an evident sign, that those 
thoughts come from the evil spirit. 

VII. When the enemy has been discovered, and 
is known by the evil, to which he leads, it is then 
useful, that the soul consider the course of thoughts 
suggested to her, under the appearance of good ; 
aud that she review from the beginning, how the 
enemy tried to overthrow, and take away by de- 
grees, her interior peace and tranquillity, until he 
brought in his own wicked intention. Taught by 
this experience, the soul will for the future guard 
more easily against the deceits of the evil spirit. 

St. Ignat., St. Beenabd, St. Gebtrudk. 



THE SECOND BOOK. 



ADMONITIONS USEFUL FOR THE IMITATION 
OF THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS 
IN HIS ACTIVE LIFE. 



CHAPTER, I. 

HOW MUCH WE SHOULD ESTEEM AND CHERISH 
SANCTIFYING GRACE. 

1 The voice of Jesus. — My Child, do not disre- 
gard grace, but carefully preserve so sacred a de- 
posit, which has been intrusted to thee. 

For this is thy treasure, this thy glory, this thy 
happiness, this thy every good. 

This informs thee, the image of God, and ren- 
ders thee alike to Him. 

Know, then, thy dignity, man, who, by sancti- 
fying grace, art raised even to the likeness of God, 
and becomest more exalted than the whole world, 
so that naught of earth can be compared to thee. 

What is the splendor of the stars? what the 
beauty of all creatures, when placed in comparison 
with the excellence of a soul adorned with divine 
grace, and thus assimilated to God Himself? 

Lift up thyself, therefore, and, mindful of thy 
dignity, do not defile nor debase thyself. 
'(158) 



CHAPTER I. 



159 



2. God adopts thee, resplendent with this grace 
not simply as His child, but as the child of His 
love and predilection. 

Thus, what I possess by nature, thou receivest by 
adoption ; so that thou art not only called, but art 
in very truth, a child of God. 

Understand, if thou art able, what it is, to be a 
child of God : what it is, to be loved and cherished 
by such a Father. 

In the world, children esteem themselves happy, 
and glory in having parents who are wise, good, 
influential, — or wealthy, great, illustrious. 

But what are the distinctions of all the parents 
of this earth, when compared with the Attributes 
of God? 

With how much more reason, therefore, shouidst 
thou glory and rejoice in having for thy Father, 
God Himself, the Lord of heaven and earth ! 

Ponder, then, with a true judgment the excel- 
lence of this divine adoption. For, when formerly 
thou wast a castaway, reduced to the lowest depth 
of degradation, thou becamest, by sanctifying grace, 
from bond, free; from one disowned, the acknowl- 
edged child of God ; that, thus ennobled, thou 
mayst rejoice in the affluence of the good things of 
the Lord. 

Blessed is he who knows the price of sanctifying 
grace, whereby he was raised to be a child of God ; 
and who so esteems this, the highest nobility, that, 



160 



THE SECOND BOOK. 



on no account, he shows himself degenerate, but 
ever continues a child worthy of such a Fathei ! 

3. If, by grace, thou art a child, by the same 
thou art also made an heir, — even the heir of God, 
aud co-heir with Me. 

Wherefore, My Child, the everlasting kingdom, 
which is Mine by right of nature, becomes thine in 
virtue of sanctifying grace. 

When thou lookest up to heaven, and viewest, in 
spirit, the glory, the beatitude, and all the good 
things of eternity, say to thyself: Behold my pos- 
sessions, behold my inheritance, if I preserve the 
title of grace. 

My merits obtained, that this grace should confer 
upon thee a settled right to the possessions of 
heaven ; of which none, except thyself, can deprive 
thee. 

God's promise remains firm; He is faithful to 
His word : but, if thou losest sanctifying grace, 
thou throwest aside thy right, and becomest disin- 
herited. 

4. Grace, My Child, — which constitutes thee an 
heir of the heavenly kingdom, — makes thee also a 
companion of the Angels, a brother of the Saints. 

If thou art glad when thou enjoyest the inter- 
course of distinguished companions, mortal men 
though they be, and subject to change : if thou art 
delighted at having brothers according to the flesh, 
although their number divides and lessens thy 
earthly inheritance : how great must be thy joy 



CHAPTER I. 



161 



that, by grace, thou hast the blessed Angels for 
companions, the chosen Saints of God for brothers, — 
whose countless number neither divides nor lessens 
thy celestial inheritance, but, on the contrary, in- 
creases and multiplies the same! 

And what brothers, too, My child ! how innu- 
merable, how illustrious, how mighty, how good ! 

They are thy elder brothers : celebrated for their 
triumphs, crowned with the glory of beatitude, se- 
cure of themselves, solicitous for thee ; they love 
thee in truth, encourage thee by their example, 
help thee by their prayers, invite thee by their re- 
wards. 

Blissful grace, which makes thee the brother of 
such heroes ! Oh, My Child, would that thou didst 
fully understand this ! 

5. Moreover, by an effect of sanctifying grace, thou 
mayst, even in this life, enjoy true happiness. 
This grace is the foundation of interior peace : 
without it, there is no real peace : with it, an un- 
disturbed calm pervades the soul. 

Who, that resists sanctifying grace, has ever 
enjoyed peace? And what happiness can there 
exist, where there is no peace ? 

If thou rejoicest in the peace of grace, thou 
mayst justly and safely be glad amid prosperity, 
and thou canst easily and usefully find solace in 
adversity. 

Preserve thyself in grace, and thou shalt always 
be enabled to possess peace and happiness. Wit- 
14 




162 



THE SECOND BOOK. 



ness all the Saints : yea, also they who, when once 
converted, kept carefully within themselves the 
grace of God. When they had this, and compared 
their present feelings with those of their former 
life, taught by experience, they could say to Me : 
Better is one day in Thy courts, Lord, than thou- 
sands in the dwellings of sinners. 

6. Nay more, My Child, if thou livest in sancti- 
fying grace, My kingdom is within thee ; so that I 
repose and reign in thy heart as on My throne. 

Now, My kingdom consists in the tranquillity 
and joy of the Holy Ghost, who is a Spirit of 
charity and sanctification. 

In this kingdom I hold sway, not as a Lord 
ruling My subjects, but as a Father training My 
Child, whom I design to reign with Me. 

So long, therefore, as thou continuest under this 
rule of grace, I guide thee specially by My Wisdom, 
I protect thee by My power, I attend and en- 
compass thee by My love. 

Neither hast thou aught to fear, My Child, for 
this kingdom so governed, so protected, so cher- 
ished ; unless, indeed, thyself becomest its betrayer. 

If thou art faithful, it shall, doubtless, stand firm 
and endure for evermore : nor can all its enemies 
combined overthrow, or even weaken the same. 

How sweet, how consoling is this thought, O My 
Child ! how well suited to make thee esteem sanc- 
tifying grace above everything ! 



CHAPTER I. 



163 



7. See now, My Child, how many, and what great 
possessions thou hast in this one good alone I 

Does not this one good surpass, in excellence, all 
the riches of this world ? 

Pray, Child, that thou mayst ever understand 
better, and more perfectly the value of grace, and 
prize it in reality as highly as thou shouldst do. 

If thou dost understand and appreciate it rightly, 
thou wilt deem it little, or certainly not too much, 
to sacrifice for its preservation not only fortune, 
fame, and all that is dear and pleasing, but even 
health, and, if it were necessary, life itself. 

Did not My holy Martyrs, and all My sainted 
heroes, — among whom thou beholdest so many 
children and tender Virgins, — prize it thus ? Did 
not thousands among them, when it was left to their 
choice, prefer to sacrifice, amid torments, all the 
blessings of life, yea, life itself, rather than lose the 
same, for any possession, however great, that was 
offered? 

Thou, therefore, the child of such heroes, use 
thy every effort, constant watchfulness, and thy 
greatest care, to preserve grace, the most precious 
of all gifts ; the more so, as the most powerful ex- 
ertions of thy enemies are directed to despoil thee, 
and thus to accomplish thy destruction. 

For the rest, dearly beloved, be thou strength- 
ened in grace : increase in the same, and, by acts 
of true virtue, advance thou, even unto perfection. 



164 



THE SECOND BOOK. 



Didst thou understand all these things, My 
Child ? 

8. The voice of the Disciple. — Yea, Lord. Would 
that I had understood all this before ! Would I 
not then, after I had lost Thy grace, have wept and 
moaned more dolefully than Esau, when he had 
forfeited his birthright ? For greater, beyond com- 
parison, was my loss, and sustained too, for a far 
baser object. 

Oh ! had I understood all this, would I, for 
aught here below, have cast away so great a trea- 
sure ? 

Lord Jesus, would that I had never lost this 
greatest of all possessions ! One thing, however, 
brings me solace, it is not yet too late ; I may still 
enjoy the privileges of Thy grace, and thereby 
sanctify myself. 

Thanks to Thee, most sweet Jesus, for that Thou 
hast showed so great a mercy to me, so unworthy. 
The ineffable kindness of Thy Heart, I will not 
forget forever. 

Jesus ! hereafter, grant me sooner to die than 
to lose Thy grace. By Thy most Sacred Heart, I 
beg and entreat Thee, hearken graciously to my 
petition. 

Let others seek after silver and gold, honor and 
distinction, the joys of this world and its consola- 
tions : taught by Thee, O Lord, this alone do I de- 
sire above all else, to preserve Thy grace, and to 
increase therein all the days of my life. 



CHAPTER II. 



165 



CHAPTEK II. 

WHY THE SON OF GOD WISHED TO BECOME IN- 
CARNATE. 

1. The voice of Jesus. — My Child, God alone is 
good. He is the supreme Goodness, supreme Wis- 
dom, supreme Power, supreme Perfection. 

What, then, can be better, or more perfect, than 
to follow and imitate God ? 

But, as God falls not under the senses, and men 
are inclined to sensible things, it was thought be- 
fitting that I, a divine Person, should become man; 
that thus I might unvail to them an external form 
to captivate their senses, and induce them, in a 
more easy and pleasing manner, to imitate God. 

The first men aspired after lofty things ; they de- 
sired and endeavored to be assimilated to God, that, 
like gods, they might know good and evil, and they 
fell: they lost the good which they knew, and suf- 
fered the evil which they knew not. 

But I wished to present Myself before men in 
such a form, that, without presumption, without 
danger, they might safely desire so to render them- 
selves like unto God, as to be freed from evil, and 
to acquire what is good. 

2. First of all, men were to be redeemed; and 
when their debts had been canceled, they were to 
be made free. 

Heavy were those debts which weighed upon 



166 



THE SECOND BOOK. 



them. So greatly had they offended the divine Ma- 
jesty, that no mere creature, but God alone, having 
become man, could fully satisfy the divine justice, 
and truly repair the honor of the divine Majesty. 

Miserable slaves of hell, they lay cast down, and 
groaning, without having in themselves any means 
of bettering their condition. I pitied the wretched 
multitude ; and came among them, with a Heart 
overflowing with mercy, to redeem them, and lead 
them to a sweet and holy freedom. 

3. Heaven had been closed by sin, and, among 
created beings, whether in heaven or upon earth, 
there was none able to open it again ; had not I 
come down and unlocked it, no mortal could ever 
have entered heaven. 

Before My coming, God was indeed known in 
Judea, where some few served Him worthily ; but 
only through the grace given to men in view of My 
future coming. Among the Nations, how very 
small was the number of those, who, co-operating 
with this grace, feared God, practiced justice, and 
were pleasing to Him ! 

In how great a darkness were the greater part of 
them heedlessly groping ! in how deep, and how 
measureless an abyss of wickedness were they 
buried ! 

Nay more, even now, — after the work of Re- 
demption has been fulfilled, — what kind of life do 
many men lead, in spite of the countless means of 
salvation! Through their own fault, ignorant or 



CHAPTER II. 



167 



forgetful of Me, they roam in blindness, and wick- 
edly rush to destruction. 

What, then, should have become of the human 
race, unless I, the Word, had been made flesh ? 
None could have attained to God, to supernatural 
beatitude. 

But, by assuming flesh, I united in Myself the 
utmost degree of divine greatness to the utmost of 
human lowliness, in such a manner, that, whoso- 
ever was willing, could, through Me, reach God and 
supernatural beatitude. 

4. I came to glorify God, My Father ; to make 
known to men His name and His love. 

Of old the name of God, was the holy and dread 
Name of the Lord : now, the Name of God, is the 
holy and sweet Name of a Father. 

The Old Law, was a Law of fear : the New, is a 
Law of love. God so loved men, that He gave His 
only begotten Son. 

And I, through love for My Father and for men, 
was incarnated by the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of 
love. 

The whole work of the Incarnation, is, therefore, 
a work of love, but of a gratuitous love, of an infi- 
nite love. 

5. I came from heaven, and I return to heaven, 
pointing out to all the way that leads thither, that 
where I am, they also may be who follow Me in 
this way. 

I am the truth : I appeared shining in the dark- 



168 



THE SECOND BOOK. 



ness of the world, to enlighten every man that 
comes into this world, that every one might surely 
and safely guide his steps on the journey. 

I am the life : for this I came into the world, 
that they who were dead might have life, and have 
it more abundantly : namely, the life of grace on 
their way, and the life of glory in their heavenly 
country. 

Yet, behold ! even after man was born again to 
the life of grace, freed from the slavery of death; 
and after he had been taught by Me the way to his 
true country, weak and unstrengthened as he was, 
he could not have been able to follow me. 

Great were his infirmities, My Child, great his 
faintness : but greater was the all-powerful Phy- 
sician, greater the divine remedy, which heals every 
infirmity, every faintness. 

This remedy is manifold grace, the price of My 
sufferings, the gift of My Heart; which induces 
every man to long for health ; strengthens him 
when healed, and helps him to follow Me. 

When I came upon earth, I might have run 
My career more swiftly than a giant. But the mul- 
titude of those that were suffering so moved My 
Heart, that, loitering in their midst, I seemed, in 
some manner, to grow weak with them ; and, going 
before them, I so smoothed the roughness of the 
way, so helped and cheered up every one , that, 
were they but willing, they could easily and joy- 



CHAPTER II. 



169 



ously follow My footprints towards the kingdom 
of heaven. 

6. See now, My Child, how I have loved thee. 
These things I did for all in general, and for every 
one in particular as well : therefore, also for thee, as 
if thou wert alone in the world, wretched and for- 
saken ; and, as if I had come down from heaven, 
to seek thee, to redeem thee, to save thee alone. 

Wherefore, since I came down in this manner, 
that I might be thy guide to My everlasting king- 
dom, follow thou Me. 

In whatsoever condition, in whatsoever state thou 
mayst be, under all circumstances, propose to thy- 
self My life, as the sure and safe way to heaven. 

Neither shouldst thou imagine that My outer life 
only is such, because My inner life is the principal. 

My interior is My Heart : therein is found all 
glory : therein resides the principle of all virtues. 

My Child, be not like the Jews, who gazed upon 
My outward appearance only, and considered not 
the feelings and dispositions of My Heart. 

Do thou enter into the interior of My Heart : 
carefully examine the same, study It, be wholly 
busied therewith. 

7. If thou feelest grateful towards Me, if thou 
lovest Me in return, thou wilt diligently search 
after whatever may be pleasing to My Heart, and 
thou wilt do it faithfully. 

But thou must seek this in prayer, ask it by love, 
embrace it by love, perform it with love. 
15 



170 



THE SECOND BOOK. 



My Child, prayer is the key of heaven : nay 
more, prayer is the key of My Heart. With this 
key open thou and enjoy all the treasures of My 
Heart. 

8. The voice of the Disciple. — Everlasting thanks 
to Thee, Lord Grod, Creator and Redeemer of man- 
kind, for Thy gratuitous and exceedingly great 
charity, whereby Thou didst create us men, in so 
wonderful a manner, and didst restore us still more 
wonderfully. 

Christ Jesus ! Who, unutterably existing from 
eternity as the Son of Grod, through an excess of 
Thy love for us, wast willing to become the Son 
of man ; who will not love Thee in return ? Who 
will not cling inseparably to Thee? Who will not 
live solely for Thee, to whom he owes his all ? 

delightful consolation ! wonderful sweet- 
ness ! to behold the Son of Grod, the Son of a 
Virgin ! 

1 adore Thee, Jesus, Son of the living God, 
Thee made flesh of Mary ! I hope in Thee, infi- 
nite goodness ! I love Thee with my whole heart, 
O most loving and most lovable love ! Thou art 
my way ■ Thou, my truth : Thou, my life. 



CHAPTER III. 



171 



CHAPTER III. 

THAT OUR HEART, AFTER THE EXAMPLE OF THE 
MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS INCARNATE, 
MUST BE WHOLLY DEVOTED TO GOD. 

1. The voice of Jesus — My Child, the first act of 
My Heart, after the Incarnation, was an act of love, 
whereby I devoted Myself completely to My heav- 
enly Father. 

There was in Me nothing, which I did not con- 
secrate with all My rnind to My Father : nor was 
there aught in the Will of My Father, which I did 
not embrace with My whole Heart- 
Even then did I practically say, in My inmost 
Heart : Behold ! My Father, I come as the victim 
of Thy Will : at the head of the book of life it is 
written of Me, that I would do Thy Will : behold, 
I have willed it, and the law of Thy good pleasure 
is in the midst of My Heart. 

At the first moment of My life, My Father placed 
before Me all the toils and hardships, all the hu- 
miliations and sorrows, all I was to do and to suffer, 
even to the last breath of My life. 

With a willing and perfectly devoted Heart, I 
received all and each of them, according to My 
Father's good pleasure : 

And this inward disposition of My Heart, I cher- 
ished every moment of My life ; by this was I ever 



172 



THE SECOND BOOK. 



pressed onward, so that I always did whatsoever 
was pleasing to My Father. 

2. Behold, My Child, the model of a true devo- 
tion, that, taught by it, at the very beginning of 
thy career, in the way of virtue, thou mayst, in like 
manner, devote thyself with thy whole heart. 

Nothing, perhaps, is of so much importance, in 
the spiritual life, as a true and entire devotion of 
heart. For, a heart that is not altogether devoted 
to Me, proves that it lacks perfect purity. 

If thou dealest with Me in a sparing manner, I 
will also deal with thee sparingly : but, if thou art 
generous toward Me, I will, in return, be generous 
toward thee, and I will ever excel thee in gene- 
rosity. 

If, with a liberal heart, thou devote thyself, and 
all thou hast, to Me, so as to embrace effectually 
My good pleasure in all things ; I Myself will lead 
thee, safely and happily, through whatsoever may 
befall thee ; I will even, in some manner, be obliged 
to save thee. 

3. This perfect self-devotedness has ever been the 
beginning of holiness in all My Elect. 

Those noble and generous souls deemed the 
greatest sacrifices of life as nothing ; so that they 
consecrated and wholly devoted to Me, whatsoever 
they possessed, whatsoever they were. 

Therefore, too, did I show to them such liberality 
and bountifulness, that often, even during this mor- 
tal life, — on account of the exceeding sweetness of 



CHAPTER III. 



173 



jonsolation, — they burst into tears, and whilst on 
earth, enjoyed a foretaste of that bliss, wherewith 
they were hereafter to be inebriated in heaven. 

Yet now very many of those that make profes- 
sion of a great love of piety, are willing to be de- 
voted, but only in things, and under circumstances, 
which are pleasing to them. 

These are assuredly rather devoted to themselves 
than to Me. Wherefore, they continue to be slaves 
of self-love, and remain miserable and devoid of 
inward happiness ; neither do they become dis- 
posed to the divine union. 

Thou, My Child, if thou wilt be truly free and 
happy, withdraw thy heart from every object ex- 
cept Myself; and give all thy affections to Me 
alone. 

If thou canst keep thy heart perfectly devoted to 
Me, thou shalt be able to continue calm and un- 
disturbed under all circumstances. For, every agi- 
tation of mind arises, not from passing events, but 
from a heart ill-inclined toward God's good 
pleasure. 

And if thou desirest to attain to an intimate 
union with Me, thou must be free from all creatures, 
and wholly devoted to Me, in all things. 

4. My Child, let not thy devotion be like that 
of many others, which is wholly exterior, satisfied 
with outward things alone, and, therefore, merely 
a semblance of devotion, not devotion itself. 

Let thy devotion be truly interior, which has its 



174 



THE SECOND BOOK. 



principle in a heart so disposed, that, with the di- 
vine grace, thou art ready to resign thyself, uncon- 
ditionally, to all My wishes, and to sacrifice all thou 
hast to serve Me. 

Thy devotion, however, must pass over to out- 
ward things, since thou art a man, and not an An- 
gel. And, as thou possessest a body and a soul, 
both My gifts, thou must with both honor Me a id 
sanctify thyself. 

But let the things, which are outwardly seen in 
thee, overflow, as it were, from the abundance of 
the heart : thus shall thy devotion be solid, and 
thou shalt be a true follower of My Heart. 

5. This devotion, My Child, is the effect of su- 
pernatural grace, which, enlightening the intellect, 
and moving the will, makes a person ready to com- 
ply, willingly, with everything that belongs to the 
service of God. 

To this devotion thou shalt never attain by any 
natural means, because it is itself supernatural, and 
is practiced by supernatural assistance. 

Unless, therefore, thou art aided by divine grace, 
thou shalt labor in vain ; even shouldst thou de- 
clare thyself devoted to Me, and appear so in thy 
own estimation. 

Pray, then, that thou mayst receive plentiful 
grace, and obtain the spirit of devotion. Thou 
shalt obtain it, if thou prayest well. All things 
are promised to prayer. 

With the aid of grace, and the co-operation of 



CHAPTER III. 



175 



thy own endeavors, true devotion, — which tc many, 
guided by self-love, is known by name only, or ap- 
pears a burden, — shall be easy and sweet tc thee. 

Whether thou hast sensible consolations or not, 
thou wilt continue, in peace and with fruit, to trans- 
act thy affairs, to fulfill thy duties, and to be faith- 
ful to thy spiritual practices. 

Without anxiety and solicitude, thou wilt repose 
in the arms of My Providence, as an infant on the 
bosom of its mother : and thou shalt be calm and 
contented in the various ways, through which T 
may lead thee to life everlasting. 

6. The voice of the Disciple. — Lord Jesus, who 
for my salvation, didst consume Thyself, and, as an 
evidence of Thy love, didst leave me Thy Heart, 
delivered up for love of me : grant me, I beseech 
Thee, the grace of a perfect devotion, that every- 
thing, except Thyself, being withdrawn from my 
heart, through love of Thee, I may become wholly 
Thine. 

Relying upon the aid of Thy grace, which I 
humbly implore, I offer myself, with all my heart, 
to Thee, that I may be thoroughly devoted to Thee, 
to Thy service, and Thy interests. 

O sweetest Jesus! receive me, all I am, and all 
I possess, as given and consecrated to Thee : grant 
me the spirit of holy devotion, that it may fill my 
heart with its unction ; make piety tasteful to me, 
foster my love for Thee, render prayer sweet to me, 
and dispose me rightly for action. 



176 



THE SECOND BOOK. 



Enlivened by it, I will coi tinue ever joyous and 
constant in Thy service ; I will gently draw my 
neighbor to Thee, and gladden the Angels and 
Saints themselves ; yea, what is more excellent than 
all, I will rejoice Thy Heart, and fill It with de- 
lights. 



CHAPTER IV. 

THAT WE MUST BE TAUGHT BY THE SACRED HEART 
OP JESUS, NEWLY-BORN, AND BE IMBUED WITH 
ITS SPIRIT. 

1. The voice of the Disciple. — Come ye and see, 
all ye creatures ! wonder and be astonished : Be- 
hold ! God bowed the heavens, and came down, and 
lo ! He dwells with us ! 

infant God ! prodigy of love ! delight 
of the Angels, who came from heaven, to gaze upon 
Thee reclining in this manger ! 

Jesus, Son of God, born of a Virgin ! how 
lovely ! how sweet to me art Thou,-thus become an 
Infant ! 

"Wonderful indeed, in the Majesty of Thy Di- 
vinity : more wonderful, in the loveliness of Thy 
littleness. 

Supremely worthy of love, in the boundlessness 
of Thy divine perfections : ravishing all hearts by 
the excess of Thy childhood's sweetness. 

Who, infinite goodness ! can here be satiated 
with gazing upon Thee, with loving Thee, with in* 



CHAPTER IV. 



177 



ebriating himself with the delightfuln;/es of Thy 
Heart's love ! 

How sweet art Thou ! my Jesus ! how sweet 
art Thou, besides what lies hidden within ! what 
then must be Thy inner Spirit ? A most exquisite 
one, assuredly, and sweet above honey. 

2. The voice of Jesus. — Yea, My Child, it is the 
Spirit of My Heart, that produces, that quickens 
these wonderful, these most delightful things. 

This Spirit of Mine, — that, by love, drew Me from 
the bosom of the Father into the bosom of the 
Virgin ; and that, with so much sweetness, brought 
Me, the Only-begotten of the Father, upon earth, — 
this Spirit ever pervades, directs, and leads My 
Heart, that whithersoever the impulse of the Spirit 
is, thither It may go. 

The fullness of this Spirit dwells in My Heart : 
for, whom God has sent, to Him He does not give 
the Spirit by measure. 

Upon My Heart that Spirit reposes, the Spirit 
of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel 
and fortitude, the Spirit of knowledge and piety, 
the Spirit of the fear of G-od, the Spirit of grace 
and prayer, the Spirit of love. 

Such is the Spirit of My Heart; a supernatural, 
divine Spirit, who is charity, a love embracing all 
virtues. 

This Spirit of My Heart, is 'love breathing love ; 
gently and strongly leading, He directs to things 



178 



THE SECOND BOOK. 



perfect, moves to make sacrifices, allures to deeds 
heroic. 

3. Blessed is he, My Child, who possesses the 
divine Spirit of My Heart, and allows himself to 
be guided, in all things, by the same ! For they 
who are impelled by the Spirit of Grod, the same 
are the sons of Grod. 

Not appearance, nor profession, but the Spirit 
makes thee a true Disciple of My Heart. 

What will all else avail thee, if thou dost not 
possess this Spirit ? He that has not My Spirit, is 
not of Mine. 

Without My Spirit, the things which I do, shall 
have no meaning for thee ; thou wilt not rightly 
understand what I teach ; nor wilt thou find a 
hearty relish, for what I enjoin. Thou canst 
know, understand, and enjoy the things, which are 
Mine, only insomuch as thou shalt be possessed of 
My Spirit. 

If thou art endowed with My Spirit, My judg- 
ments shall be thy judgments : My sentiments, thy 
sentiments : the life of My Heart, the life of thy 
heart. 

In this Spirit, every true Disciple of My Heart, 
views all things : by this alone, he judges of all 
things : by this alone, he acts, and is impelled. 

Be, then, possessed of the Spirit of My Heart, 
and do whatsoever thou wilt : this Spirit will guide 
thee safely, and protect thee in all things. 

4. This, My Spirit, has influenced all the Saints ; 



CHAPTER IV. 



179 



Its unction taught them, Its virtue strengthened 
them, Its holiness shaped them. 

See, what it taught the Apostles and Martyrs, the 
Confessors and Virgins : behold, to what degree It 
strengthened them : see how It formed them, so 
that, trampling upon the whole world, and forsaking 
themselves, some went to the tortures of death, as 
if they were hastening to a glorious triumph ; others 
endeavored to equal the Angels themselves ; others 
again, trod blamelessly the common walks of life : 
but all followed Me with cheerfulness, and kept 
themselves to the end, in My company, amid all the 
vicissitudes of earth. 

What is there, which the Saints, incited by My 
Spirit, did not undertake ? what did they not do, 
that, whilst sanctifying themselves, they might ever 
love and glorify Me, more and more, and, as far as 
they were able, bring all men, to love and glorify 
Me? 

These were perfect Disciples of My Heart ; filled 
with My holy Spirit, they drew thence all their 
thoughts, regulated all their words, directed all 
their works, and shaped their whole life. 

5. My Child, if thou desirest to learn this Spirit 
of My Heart, study My life, and meditate devotedly 
thereon ; enter into the interior of My Heart, and 
affectionately examine and weigh Its sentiments : by 
Its fruits thou shalt know the same everywhere. 

Dost thou not find My Spirit working in all, 
and in every mystery of My life ? 



180 



THE SECOND BOOK. 



What will it avail to know My Spirit, unless 
thou receivest of Its fullness ? Pray then, My 
Child, pray fervently, that thou mayst be quickened 
by It, or obtain an increase of Its quickening. 

If thou prayest, as it behooves thee, thou wilt 
doubtless receive It : for I have promised to give 
My good Spirit to them that ask. 

The better, and the more thou prayest, the more 
thou shalt receive of the same, the more perfectly 
thou shalt know It, and the more easily thou shalt 
follow Its guidance. 

6. The voice of the Disciple. — Jesus ! of the 
fullness of whose Spirit, Thy Disciples so receive, as 
to live thereby, send, I beseech Thee, the Spirit of 
Thy Heart into my heart, that It may quicken and 
guide me in all and through all. 

Neither, as Eliseus asked Elias, do I beg that 
Thy twofold Spirit may dwell in me, since my little 
heart cannot even contain Thy single one ; but I 
entreat Thee, replenish me wholly with Thy Spirit, 
expel from me forever, the spirit of the world, and 
the spirit of self. 

Grant that, in Thy Spirit, my heart may rightly 
relish that, wherein Thy Heart delights; understand 
whatever It teaches; taste in a manner affective, 
as well as effective, whatever It does. 

Grant me to live, hereafter, by Thy Spirit, not 
simply the life of nature, but of grace; not simply 
a human life, but one, in some manner, god-like, 
the life of Thy Spirit. 



CHAPTER V. 



181 



CHAPTER V. 

THAT, OP THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS, 
WHILST AN INFANT, WE MUST LEARN HUMILITY. 

1. The voice of the Disciple — How, Jesus! 
art Thou born for us a Child, and given to us an 
Infant! Art not thou Who Art: is not this Thy 
name for evermore? 

Who shall declare Thy generation ! Behold ! 
Thou art from eternity to eternity. 

Who shall speak Thy power, or make known 
Thy other perfections ? Through Thee, all things 
were made : by Thee, all are ruled : Thou fillest 
the heavens and the earth : and lo ! in what a state 
do I behold Thee here ! 

prodigy ! miracle ! God, behold ! the infinite 
God, lies here an Infant, in this cave ! 

He emptied Himself, having become a Child, an 
exile in the midst of humiliations, unknown and 
contented. 

How, most sweet Jesus, how, I beseech Thee, 
wast Thou born a Babe, and given us as a Child ? 

2. The voice of Jesus. — My Child, I came to save 
that which was lost. So great was the fall of the 
human race, that its restoration demanded such an 
humiliation of the Son of God. 

Man had sunk into the abyss of pride : in lowli- 
ness I came down, and entered the abyss, to snatch 
him thence. 



182 



THE SECOND BOCK. 



Before I came into the world, pride had so far 
darkened and corrupted the minds of nations, that 
they not only did not acknowledge humility as a 
virtue ; but, on the contrary, deemed it weakness 
of soul, and were shocked thereat. 

For when they knew God, whose light is placed 
as a seal upon the human heart, they glorified Him 
not as God ; they became vain in their thoughts, 
and their foolish heart was darkened : they grew 
corrupt and abominable in their desires. Thus, 
well-nigh all flesh had corrupted its way. 

What could be better, and more effective, to free 
the world from so great and baneful an error, than 
the example of a God, supremely wise and perfect, 
abasing Himself unto emptiness, thus confounding 
all human pride, and refuting forever its false 
reasonings and pretenses. 

3. Pride, My Child, has ever been and will con- 
tinue to be the source of all evils ; but humility is 
the principle of all good things. 

Truth begets humility, which is the virtue of vir- 
tues, and charity gives it life and form. 

First of all, then, thoroughly know thyself and 
God, that thou maysr. attribute to God, the things 
which are of God, and to thyself what is thy own. 

Take care, therefore, My Child, to understand 
what thou art of thyself. What art thou of thy- 
self? What, except a mere nothing, out of which 
God created thee ? This nothingness is thy own, 
but the being which thou art, is of God. 



CHAPTER V. 



183 



If thou thickest that thou art something, where- 
as, of thyself, thou art nothing, thou deceivest, thou 
misleadest thyself. 

What dost thou possess of thyself, by nature, or 
by grace? In the order of nature, thou hast, in- 
deed, the powers of the soul, the senses of the body, 
the gifts of the mind, the outward qualities of per- 
son. But whence did all these things, of what kind 
soever they be, come to thee ? Whose are they ? 
Take away that which God made, and gave to thee, 
and what remains, except nothingness ? This latter, 
again, is thy own, the former is of God. 

In giving thee these things, He gave them for an 
end, that thou mightst use them for His glory, and 
for thy salvation. If thou hast ever made use of 
all and every one of them, for that end, thou hast 
done what thou wast obliged to do. If, at any time, 
thou hast made an ill use of them, behold ! beside 
thy nothingness, thou must claim also as thy own, 
ungratefulness, frowardness, and the mis-spending 
of God's favors. 

Now, what art thou in the order of grace? My 
Child, is not this a fathomless abyss ? It is certaiu, 
that of thyself, without the help of grace, thou pos- 
sessest nothing which can promote thy salvation ; 
thou canst do nothing to save thyself. Whatsoever, 
therefore, thou hast of the supernaturai order; 
whatever virtues, whatever merits, thou mayst pos- 
sess ; all these are the effects of grace, without 
which they could not even have been begun, much 



184 



THE SECOND BOOK. 



less brought to perfection. If, then, frod rewards 
these things in thee, He does but crown His own 

gifts. 

It is, indeed, true, My Child, that to acquire these 
things thou didst co-operate with grace. But this 
very co-operation, if duly considered, what does it 
disclose ? It is evident, by faith, that thou must 
one day give a strict account of every grace. For, 
thou art obliged to cause each grace to produce 
its fruit by thy co-operation. 

Did not this consideration fill the very Saints 
with the lowliest sentiments ? What thoughts, then, 
must it needs force upon thee, who so often ill co- 
operatest with grace, nay, even slightest it? 

If thou art unable to count the shortcomings of 
thy co-operation with grace, ponder the number 
and magnitude of the debts thou hast contracted, 
by the neglect or ill use of the gifts of God, in ad- 
dition to thy own nothingness, and powerlessness, 
in the order of grace. 

My Child, if thou rightly considerest the obliga- 
tion of co-operating with Grod's grace, and of mak- 
ing a proper use of His gifts, even of those in the 
natural order ; thou wilt understand, as the Saints 
understood it, that the more and the greater the 
favors thou didst receive, the greater reason thou 
hast for deeply humbling thyself. 

4. But there are things worse and more humili- 
ating hidden from the sight. See and examine thy 



CHAPTER V. 



185 



manifold miseries, offenses, and sins : and weigh 
well, what thou hast justly deserved thereby. 

Hadst thou received what is rightly due to thee, 
shouldst thou not long since have felt the contempt 
of all the inhabitants of heaven, of earth, and of 
hell, and suffered everlasting degradation ? 

And if, perhaps, thou hast done naught on ac- 
count of which thou deservest to be cast away, thou 
hast no cause to be elated. For, that thou wast 
thus kept from grievous faults, is not thy own, but 
chiefly the work of grace. 

Nay more, by one venial transgression, commit- 
ted against the infinite Majesty of God, thou didst 
deserve greater humiliations than the world can in- 
flict upon thee. 

5. What, then, My Child, what art thou? What 
compared with all men ? Nothing more than a 
drop of water compared with all the oceans. And 
what are all men viewed in connection with all the 
myriads of Angels? Assuredly less than this earth 
is to the boundless heavens. And what are all the 
angels in comparison with God Himself? Behold ! 
they are as if they were not ; because the difference 
is infinite, Now, compared with the infinite God, 
what art thou, a puny being, dwelling in a little 
corner of this globe ? 

What art thou, in truth, My Child, or what dost 
thou possess, to make thee proud ? yea, what hast 
thou for which thou shouldst not humble thyself? 

I do not say these things to cause thee to blush, 
16 



186 THE SECOND BOOK. 

but to give thee warning, thee, well-beloved Child of 
My Heart, lest, misled by pride, thou fall away and 
perish. 

6. To God alone be honor and glory, from every 
creature. He alone is truly and exceedingly wor- 
thy to receive empire, and power, and benediction, 
and praise, and supreme worship, forever and ever. 

All the perfections seen in creatures, how excel- 
lent soever they may appear, are only darksome 
rays of God's perfections, which are every way ab- 
solute and infinite. 

Even had God not so commanded, His boundless 
perfections should have to be acknowledged and 
honored by every reason-gifted being. 

Nay more, His own glory is so essentially to be 
referred to God, that He Himself cannot be indif- 
ferent in its regard : for He alone is worthy of 
Himself. 

7. Precious, My Child, is the knowledge of God 
and of thyself, for it reveals a great truth, most fit 
to humble thee. Yet this knowledge itself is not 
humility, since virtue consists not in knowledge 
but in affection. 

Neither does the virtue of humility consist in 
humiliation, but rather in the love of humiliation. 
For, there is no virtue, unless there be affection, or 
motion of a good will. 

How many there are who humble themselves, or 
are humbled by others, and yet are not humble I 



CHAPTER V. 



187 



how many do outwardly give signs of humility, and 
yet keep pride within themselves. 

In order that humility be a virtue, such as that 
of My Disciples ought to be, and that self-abase- 
ment be an act of such a virtue, it must receive its 
life and form from charity, or supernatural affec- 
tion. 

The virtue of humility is that supernatural affec- 
tion, which inclines and moves thee, always so to 
tend to thy proper place, that thou givest to God 
the things which belong to God, thanksgiving, 
honor, glory ; and ascribest to thyself whatsoever is 
thine, nothingness, and unworthiness of overy kind. 

Now, which is thy own proper place ? My 
Child, how deep, how terrible is that place which 
thou hast deserved ! But see the love of My Heart ! 
To console thee, to exalt thee, I became man, hum- 
bled Myself in thy stead, and assigned thee a better 
and more honorable place. Since that time, thy 
place is with Me. 

But where shalt thou be with Me ? where shalt 
thou find Me ? An Infant in the manger, exiled 
and unknown in Egypt, hidden at Nazareth, toiling 
and suffering in public, occupying the last place, 
and dying therein. 

8. With Me, Child, thou shalt be far from pride, 
which is hateful to God and men, begets every sin, 
corrupts every virtue, despoils of merits, heaps up 
punishments, despises the example of My Heart, 
follows the footsteps of the devil. 



188 



THE SECOND BOOK. 



Happy lowliness ! blissful virtue, which makes 
thee find favor with God and men ! For, whilst God 
resists the proud, He gives His grace to the lowly ; 
and, whilst the proud themselves look down upon 
the proud, they admire the humble. 

Humility is the first of virtues : no virtue is ac- 
quired without it. Humility produces all other 
virtues, nourishes them when produced, and pre- 
serves them safe and sound. 

A noble virtue is humility, which makes man 
truly generous and great-souled. By its means he 
overcomes, not only what is most arduous, but he 
even conquers himself. 

Whilst the proud man, with his narrow heart, 
fettered by the dread of humiliation, which may, 
perhaps, befall him, struggles with himself, shrink- 
ing back at one time, hesitating at another, whether 
or not to assail the difficulty placed before him ; the 
humble one. with a great and expanded heart, has 
already subdued himself, overcome the difficulty, 
and marches onward rejoicingly. 

It is the virtue that inspires courage — disposes 
the soul for the greatest deeds. For the humble 
man, overlooking himself, and relying upon God, 
exchanges his own strength, and puts on the 
strength of God, upon whom he rests, and in whom 
he can do all things. 

He is an object of terror to the very demons. 
These enemies dread the humble : no other mortals 
do they fear so much. 



CHAPTER V. 



189 



Lastly, it is a solid virtue, because it so strength- 
ens man, that he is neither shaken by the sayings 
or doings of others, nor cast down by his own faults 
or miseries. 

It is not, therefore, the virtue of humility, but 
its counterfeit, which renders thee fainthearted, 
timorous, or in any wise dejected. So noble a vir- 
tue does not produce such ignoble effects. 

9. My Child, although humility is so just, so 
useful, so necessary, so excellent, thou shouldst not- 
withstanding know, that it is not according to hu- 
man feelings, not to find one's delight in some ob- 
ject, but in all things to refer absolutely the whole 
glory to God, — to attribute to one's self nothing 
except unworthiness, — to be contented with Me in 
the lowest place, to embrace heartily whatever My 
Heart embraces. 

Certainly, if thou consultest nature, it will shrink 
back from such things, and seek to avoid them. 
Yet, if thou desirest to be a Disciple of My Heart, 
thou must not follow nature, but grace : and act, 
not according to the bent of thy natural feeling, but 
according to divine love, whereby thou mayst imi- 
tate My Heart, even in spite of nature. 

If thou dost this, it will be with thee as it was 
with the Saints, who tasted a sweetness exceeding 
nature, in humility, and found by experience that 
humiliations themselves were full of delight. 

Secure for thyself, by prayer and meditation, the 
powerful help of grace, and, generously co-operat- 



190 



THE SECOND BOOK. 



ing with tlie same, embrace humility with mind and 
heart, — exercise thyself in it, until thou art able 
readily to reduce it to practice in thought, word, 
and deed. 

My Child, be ever mindful of My example, and 
forget not My words. Behold ! I, an Infant, give 
thee a new command, the command of My Heart : 
Learn of Me, that I am meek and humble of Heart. 

10. The voice of the Disciple. — most sweet 
Jesus! Infant Grod, who didst empty Thyself 
by humility ! Lo ! the stable, wherein Thou dweil- 
est, the darkness, wherein Thou art hidden, the 
very silence, that surrounds Thee, all cry out, how 
humble of Heart Thou art. 

Thou Teacher of humility ! behold me pros- 
trate at Thy feet, that of Thee I may learn that all- 
important virtue. 

Enlightened and enkindled by the flames of Thy 
Heart, may I ever know Thee, ever know myself, 
that thus I may always and everywhere ascribe to 
Thee what is Thine, and to me what is mine ! 

Hitherto, I own it, I have never rightly under- 
stood the meaning of humility. Now I understand, 
now I see, that by the virtue of humility I am 
neither debased nor disgraced, but raised and en- 
nobled ; since by it I am elevated to the resem- 
blance of Thyself, who alone art eminently noble. 

O most kind Jesus ! givest Thou me a place near 
Thee ! Lord ! I am not worthy. And yet, how 
did I ever seek any other place, as if I could find a 



CHAPTER VI. 



191 



better place than with Thee ! Forgive, Lord, for- 
give my ungratefulness, my injustice, my madness. 

Henceforth, behold, I am forever with Thee. 
Let them seek after higher places, who are anxious 
to be above others : for myself, as much as T am 
allowed, I will strive for the lowest, convinced that 
there I shall be with Thee. My only longing is to 
be with Thee : with Thee I will be contented 
wherever I may be. 



CHAPTER VI. 

THAT THE MOST SACRED HEART OP JESUS, BORN IN 
A STABLE, TEACHES US HOLY POVERTY. 

1. The voice of the Disciple. — For Thee, Lord 
Jesus, for Thee, my heart longs : Thee, my soul 
seeks, whom she Loves. Show me, I entreat Thee, 
where Thou dwellest. 

The voice of Jesus. — Come, My Child, and see. 
This shall be a sign to thee : thou shalt find Me 
poor, in a stable. » 

Hearken thou, and give heed to what My Heart 
may speak to thee. 

The foxes have their holes, the birds of the air 
have their nests : but the Son of man has not where 
to recline His head. 

Yet, My Child, the whole earth is Mine, and the 



192 



THE SECOND BOOK. 



fullness thereof. But, behold ! when I was the 
richest, I became the poorest of all. 

From the time I was born needy in the stable, 
until I breathed My last destitute upon the cross, I 
lived ever in perfect poverty, and as I ever loved it 
as My mother, so I ever honored it as a Son. 

And for what reason, thinkest thou, with what 
design does My Heart so lovingly embrace poverty? 
undoubtedly, My Child, because My Heart, filled 
as It is with humility and charity, cherishes these 
virtues most tenderly, and desires most ardently, 
by their means, to draw the hearts of men from 
things earthly and perishable, and raise them aloft 
to that which is heavenly and everlasting. 

2. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is 
the kingdom of heaven : blessed, for that they are 
free from the greatest obstacles to everlasting sal- 
vation : blessed, for that they possess a whole- 
some opportunity of practicing numberless virtues : 
blessed, lastly, because in their heart, they are 
conformed to Me. 

My Child, to have nothing, nay, even to be in 
want, is not the virtue of poverty : but to keep the 
heart disengaged from the created things of the 
world ; this constitutes the true virtue of poverty. 
For love of Me, to bid farewell to all things of 
earth, to possess nothing as one's own, to cling 
with the heart to no created object, is the perfection 
of the virtue of poverty. 

To this latter all are not called, but to the 



CHAPTER VI. 



193 



former all and every one must tend, insomuch, that 
it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a 
needle, than for any one without it, to enter the 
kingdom of heaven. 

For, unless a man renounce, with the heart at 
least, all things, he cannot he My Disciple. 

3. There is nothing more wicked than the love 
of money, for this love perverts the judgment, and 
misleads the heart : and, since all things obey 
money, he that loves it, blinded by its inordinate 
desire, sets his own soul for sale, so that he is ready 
to sell this immortal gift for a perishable object. 

The Saints used the things of earth, with a heart 
free from them ; amid the greatest wealth, they 
were poor in spirit. 

Yet, there are not a few who allow the enemy 
of man's salvation to deceive them, by the ap- 
pearance of what is good or right. That crafty 
foe strives to pursuade men that riches, or 
the abundance of the good things of earth, — as 
they are indifferent in themselves, and may be use- 
fully spent, — can be coveted and sought after with- 
out danger. 

But, whosoever suffers himself to be so deceived, 
soon discovers, that he has become entangled in 
the snares of the devil's artifices, that he is weighed 
down by troubles, darkness, perverse inclinations ; 
that, whatever his state of life, he is unable to attain 
to its perfection ; and that, finally, he imperils, in 
no small degree, his everlasting salvation. 
17 



194 



THE SECOND BOOK. 



4. My Child; if thou hast riches, set not thy 
heart upon them : for thou art a steward, rather 
than a master. With a heart disengaged from 
them, either renounce them altogether, if such be 
the divine Will, or use them for My glory, and for 
the real benefit of thy soul. 

Thou must be so disposed, that, if it be My Will, 
thou shouldst renounce all things, or, if I suffer thee 
to be deprived of them, thou do willingly submit 
thyself to Me. 

If thou art poor, rejoice, My Child, and be ex- 
ceedingly glad : and lose not the fruit of so great 
a blessing, by suffering, repiningly, the effects of 
of poverty. 

Be not ashamed of being in moderate, or even 
destitute circumstances, for My sake, who was not 
ashamed of becoming; destitute for thee : but rather 
glory, for that thou possessest what I purchased for 
Myself, by many and great humiliations. 

5. Whether thou art needy, or rich, cherish holy 
poverty, and practice a virtue so dear to My Heart, 
and so advantageous to thyself. 

There is, indeed, no condition of life, in which 
this virtue may and should not be practiced : fre- 
quent opportunities daily present themselves every- 
where. 

This great virtue may be exercised in regard to 
one's dwelling-place, furniture, food and drink ; in 
short, the whole manner of living. 

For, in all these things, either something is 



CHAPTER VI. 



195 



•wanting, which is not really necessary ; or, if not, 
it is not according to the desires of nature ; or 
something may, without danger, be withdrawn from 
what is had for nature's convenience. 

If thou lovest holy poverty in thy heart, as is 
proper, thou shalt not want means and opportunities 
of practicing the same. 

How many poor there are, who do not gather 
any merit from their poverty, but use it to make 
themselves more wretched, and to offend God 
Would that they were wise ! then, instead of bitter- 
ness, they would taste sweetness, and sanctify them- 
selves. 

6. The name of the poor in spirit, who love and 
practice poverty, — whether it arises from necessity 
or free choice, — is honorable before 31e. With 
them, I hold fellowship and intercourse ; their 
heart is like a fertile soil, which receives the seed 
of My words, and brings forth fruit a hundred-fold. 

Who is happier than the possessor of holy pov- 
erty, who has whatever he desires in this world ? 
Who is richer than he, to whom belongs the king- 
dom of heaven ? 

Do not then, My Child, neglect thy sanctifica- 
tion, for the sake of gathering treasures on earth : 
use thy endeavors principally to sanctify thyself, 
and thus to lay up treasures in heaven. 

Wheresoever the object of thy affections may 
chance to be, where thy treasure is, there also will 
be thy heart. 



196 



THE SECOND BOOK. 



7. True it is, that for man, left to himself, it is 
very difficult to despise in his heart riches, and to 
practice poverty in deed, and in affection. 

Thou shouldst, therefore, pray fervently, that 
divine grace may help thee to perform that, which 
thy own strength does not enable thee to accom- 
plish in a meritorious manner. 

If thou perceivest within thyself feelings opposed 
to poverty, persevere in prayer, and beg the more 
fervently, even against thy inclinations, that grace 
may not spare those inordinate feelings, but root 
them out completely, until thy heart is altogether 
free, and looks solely to the Will and glory of God. 

My Child, if once the affections of thy heart are 
well-ordered, thou wilt find, through divine grace, the 
virtue of poverty not only easy, but even full of 
sweetness. 

8. The voice of the Disciple. — sweet Jesus, 
Son of G-od ! Thou holdest and swayest the whole 
universe : Thou didst adorn the heavens with glit- 
tering stars : Thou didst embellish the earth with 
wonderful splendor ; and behold ! here Thou re- 
clinest in a poor stable, a Babe hardly covered with 
tattered clothes. 

how marvelous, how salutary are the dispos- 
ing^ of Thy Heart ! Who will not, after so great 
an example, — which ravishes the ve 7> y Angels, — • 
consider poverty lovely and desirable ! 

Good Jesus, Teacher of the truth, and model of 
holy poverty! enlighten my mind, that I may un- 



CHAPTER VI. 



197 



derstand the price of this virtue, and tear away my 
heart, even in spite of itself, from every inordinate 
affection for things created, lest, busied with vari- 
ous cares and desires, it become estranged from 
Thee. 

Grant, I beseech Thee, that I may look upon all 
the things of time as speedily vanishing, and upon 
myself as passing away with them to things ever- 
lasting ; allow me the use of the possessions of 
earth, only insomuch as they are means to guide 
me to heavenly possessions. 

Everything is Thine, Lord : if, then, Thou 
desirest me to live in opulence, as the steward of 
Thy possessions, Thy Will be done : if Thou desir- 
est me to be in poverty, a perfect follower of Thy 
life, again Thy Will be done. 

Yet, so far as it is left to me, and as it is pleasing 
to Thee, I choose rather to be poor with Thee, 
Jesus, the Son of God, than to be rich with the 
world : I prefer to possess the lasting blessings of 
poverty, rather than undergo the ceaseless dangers 
of riches. 

I offer myself, therefore, to Thee, most benign 
Jesus, as a companion of Thy poverty : I implore 
Thee as such to receive me. If with Thee, I am 
contented : if I possess Thee, I am rich enough. 



198 



THE SECOND BOOK. 



CHAPTER VII. 

THAT THE MOST SACRED HEART OP JESUS, DWELL- 
ING IN SOLITUDE AMONG THE ANGELS, TEACHES 
US HOLY CHASTITY. 

1. The voice of Jesus. — Come, My Child, come 
to the solitude of the sacred Cave : here will I 
speak to thy heart : here will I unvail for thee the 
secrets of My Heart. 

Here look around : attend to what thou perceiv- 
est : see, what surrounds Me : observe the objects 
which keep Me company. 

The voice of ihe Disciple. — Lord, I perceive 
Thy Virgin Mother, Thy Virgin Foster-father, a 
multitude of Angels, rejoicing and singing, in Thy 
presence, hymns of jubilee. I see Thee, Jesus, 
most beautiful, the Lamb of God, without blemish ! 
I behold before me innocence far removed from 
every object that flatters the senses, ravishing heaven 
and earth by its loveliness. 

The voice of Jesus. — Amid these, My Child, 
My Heart rejoices, and finds Its delight, because It 
feeds on purity among the lilies. 

I am holiness itself. Born of a pure Virgin, 
nourished by a pure Virgin ; I am the most tender 
lover of all purity, and shrink, with all My Heart, 
from every object which is hurtful or contrary to 
this virtue. 



CHAPTEH VII. 



199 



2. My Heart is the fountain of holy purity . 
whence all they draw, who desire to be loved by Me ; 

From this divine fountain, all the Disciples of 
My Heart drink in the love of chastity, each one 
according to his capacity ; and by this love, as by a 
certain mark, are they distinguished. 

What is more excellent than chastity, whereby 
thou offerest to God the Father, who is a Spirit, a 
spiritual sacrifice most grateful to Him ; whereby, 
honoring thy body, thou honorest My own mem- 
bers ; whereby thou payest reverence to the Holy 
Ghost, whose temple thou art? 

This is the virtue which transforms men into 
Angels ; yea, raises them above the heavenly 
Spirits. 

My Chiid, whosoever is chaste, is an Angel: nay 
more, in merit, he surpasses the Angel, since, in 
spite of nature, he becomes through virtue, what 
the Angel is, without effort, by nature. 

This is the glory of the Church, the triumph of 
grace, the flower of life, the ornament of the body 
and soul, the fairest picture of heaven. 

3. How beautiful is a chaste life ! Immortal is 
the remembrance thereof ; because it is known to 
God, and grateful to men. 

A marvelous virtue it is, wlich imparts its fresh- 
ness and beauty, not only to the soul but even to 
the body. 

What the lily is among flowers, that purity is 
among virtues ; by its celestial brightness and ele- 



200 



THE SECOND BOOK. 



gance, it delights and refreshes the very inhabitants 
of Paradise. 

So mueh does its loveliness captivate all hearts, 
that, even in the world, there is none, unless he 
has altogether lost his reason, who does not ad- 
mire its excellence. 

4. Man, with a clean heart and chaste body, en- 
ters heaven ; passes even into the sanctuary of the 
Divinity, and enjoys the familiar intercourse of God 
and His Angels. 

The carnal man, like a senseless animal wallow- 
ing in filth, understands not the things which are 
of the Spirit, but finds his delight among sensual 
objects, the fruits of which are alike destructive to 
soul and body. 

How wretched is he that is impure ! how debased 
in the sight of heaven and earth ! how like in his 
interior to the demon, who is called the unclean 
spirit ! 

The world, submerged by the Flood, bears wit- 
ness how this loathsome vice is punished ; so does 
the land of Sodom, laid waste with fire and brim- 
stone from above ; so does every unchaste man, de- 
livered up to his reprobate sense ; so, above all, 
does hell. 

Purity, on the other hand, saves from the tyranny 
of the passions, imparts a most delightful peace, 
fills the whole man with heavenly joys ; yea, adorns 
him with the seal of the Elect. 

5. Which, My Child, are the chief delights of 



CHAPTER VII. 



201 



My Heart? Are' they not pure souls? These are 
they that by the purity of their love, fill My Heart 
with most pleasure ; these busy themselves more 
frequently about Me ; solicitous to know, how, 
above all others, they may render themselves agree- 
able to Me ; these, being both inwardly and out- 
wardly more holy, long more fervently to live for 
Me. 

These are they that understand more easily the 
secrets of My Heart, enjoy with more relish the 
unction of My Spirit, are more glowing with piety, 
and are wont to be more generous and faithful. 

To these My Heart, in return, communicates It- 
self more abundantly ; upon them, Tt pours the 
streams of more perfect love and consolation ; for 
them, It reserves more special graces and favors. 

Them I admit into the innermost sanctuary of 
My Heart : with them I treat in a more intimate 
manner ; them I keep nearer to Me upon earth, as 
well as in heaven. 

In whatever condition of life, therefore, thou 
mayst be, if thou wishest to be as dear as possible 
to My Heart : if thou desirest to experience the 
fullness of Its tenderness : if thou longest to taste, 
in the most copious manner, Its sweetness, be thou 
pure in body and soul. 

6. My Child, this treasure thou carriestina frail 
vessel; unless thou proceedest cautiously, thou wilt 
easily lose the same. Take heed, however, lest 



202 



THE SECOND BOOK. 



thou advance too warily ; for an excessive fear be- 
comes a source of danger. 

Thou must, first of all, guard thy heart, watch 
over its inclinations, check its thoughts. For, if 
thou allowest thy heart to wander about, it shall 
not long continue unstained. 

Be never altogether idle : idleness is the dwell- 
ing-place of the unclean spirit. 

Desire not to be too familiar with any mortal, 
even were he a Saint, or a worker of miracles. 

Fly dangerous occasions, as thou wouldst a pesti- 
lence. How many there are, who, though else- 
where sufficiently secure, perish here miserably. 

7. Turn away thy eyes, lest they behold the se- 
ductions of vanity ; be modest : without modesty, 
chastity cannot endure. 

Hedge in thy ears with care, lest, through them, 
the enemy find access to thy heart. For, where 
there is no hedge, the possession shall be laid 
waste. 

Keep the tongue not only from unclean words, but 
also from all scurrility, and every kind of language, 
of which the devil may take advantage to tempt 
thee or others. 

Restrain the taste in such a manner, that thy 
temperance in food and drink hinder the flesh from 
rebelling, and endow and strengthen the spirit with 
vigor. 

Mortify the touch assiduously, not only in those 
things which, when unlawfully touched, may cause 



CHAPTER VII. 



203 



thee to die the death, but also in those which, 
savoring of sensuality, may, by the aid of Satan, 
arouse the passions. 

8. Be persuaded, however, My Child, that, after 
tbou hast done all this, thou art not able to pre- 
serve this most precious, most beautiful, yea, most 
useful and necessary virtue, except with the help 
of divine grace. 

Wherefore, thou shouldst frequently and earn- 
estly ask for this heavenly gift, and beg for it by 
fervent prayer, through the intercession of My 
Virgin Mother, My Virginal Foster-father, thy 
Guardian Angel, and, finally, of all the inhabitants 
of heaven. 

The enemy, knowing that, through purity, men 
become associated with the choirs of Angels, and 
merit among them that place which he, by his un- 
cleanness, has forfeited, raves with envy, and leaves 
nothing undone, to despoil men of this virtue. 

But let not thy heart fear, My Child, nor be dis- 
turbed ; My grace is sufficient for thee, provided, 
by neglecting the proper means, thou be not want- 
ing to thyself. 

9. Be exceedingly careful, lest thou expose thy- 
self rashly to dangers ; and, after having overcome 
temptations, do not ascribe the glory of the victory 
to thyself : for, since all this springs from pride, 
it will doubtless be punished with a disgraceful 
humiliation. 

Through grace, thou shalt be the more chaste, 



204 THE SECOND BOOK. 

the more humble thou art : for it is humility which 
deserves that chastity be given. My Child, be ever 
mindful of these words. 

If thou wilt be perfect in the virtue of chastity, 
be inflamed with a god-like love for Me : for no 
one, unless he be perfect in the love of Jesus, can 
be perfect in chastity ; but whosoever loves Jesus 
perfectly, shall be perfectly chaste, perfectly pure. 
Keep this secret in thy memory, keep it in thy 
heart. 

10. The voice of the Disciple. — Jesus, Thou 
Virgin of Virgins ! whose Mother is a Virgin, whose 
Foster-father is a Virgin, whose inseparable com- 
panions are Angels ; whom when I approach, I am 
clean ; whom when I love, I am chaste : endless 
thanks to Thee, for that Thou didst keep my heart 
free from the love of all carnal pleasure, and didst 
enkindle it with the love of holy purity. 

All they that love Thee, behold ! are hastening 
after Thee, drawn by the odor of Thy most delight- 
ful innocence, and, as closely as they can, they are 
following Thee, the Lamb, whithersoever Thou 
goest. 

Jesus, Thou lover of chaste souls ! grant me, 
I implore Thee, for love of Thee, with all the Dis- 
ciples of Thy Heart, to value supremely, to love most 
tenderly this virtue of Angels, and shun with the 
greatest abhorrence, all that is contrary thereto. 

Sanctify my heart and body with Thy love, that 



CHAPTER VIII. 



205 



I may serve Thee with a chaste body, and please 
Thee with a clean heart. 

O Jesus, my love and my God ! who didst create 
me in Thy likeness, permit not that I ever sully or 
unhallow it by any defilement. 

Suffer not, that for a short-lived pleasure, — for 
which I must, either now or afterwards, endure 
shame and punishment, — I lose that virtue, which 
is my present and future glory and felicity. 

If ever, most sweet Jesus, Thy love should 
find me insensible to the loveliness and the rewards 
of purity ; I beseech Thee, let the dread of the 
everlasting flames of hell, prevent the flame of vice. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

THAT FROM THE MANGER THE MOST SACRED HEART 
OF JESUS, TEACHES US HOLY OBEDIENCE. 

1 . The voice of Jesus. — Be attentive, My Child : 
thou must hear some things which thou hast never 
learnt, never sufficiently understood. 

Learn once for all of My Heart, and remember 
what obedience is. Lo ! from this moment even to 
My latest sigh, obedience is My food, My life. 

Observe intently and devotedly My example ; 
consider the dispositions of My Heart. 

Behold, if they put Me in a rough manger, I 
remain contented therein : if they l'vft Me in their 



206 



Tli£ SECOND BOOK. 



arms, I am content to be carried : wheresoever they 
place me, there I stay contented. 

Whatever be the wish of those whom My heavenly 
Father has given authority over Me, that do I will 
likewise : I have no other will than to will or not to 
will that which they will. 

Neither does My Heart ask, why they will Me 
here or there : the judgment of the authority that 
wills, is the judgment of Myself who obey. 

2. Thus, My Child, did I, the All-knowing and 
All-powerful Lord, subject Myself most humbly to 
creatures, that thou, weak in understanding and 
will, mayst learn to submit thyself to them that 
hold My place in thy regard. 

Be, therefore, obedient to them, with a humble 
heart, in all things wherein they have authority 
over thee, whether it be in temporal or in spiritual 
matters. For all power is from God. 

Wherefore, My child, when thou obeyest thy Su- 
perior, thou obeyest Me. For thou art obedient 
and submissive to the authority communicated to 
him by Me. 

3. If the Superior be devoid of virtue anct good 
qualities, this is no reason why thou shouldst obey 
him the less. For he does not, on that account, 
the less possess My authority, and hold My place. 

Whenever he enjoins things which are not evi- 
dently opposed to Me, heed thou, and perform 
whatsoever he may say : but thou art not obliged 
to follow him in his doings. 



CHAPTER VIII. 



207 



Be not concerned, My Child, about the qualifi- 
cations of the one that commands, but attend to that 
which is commanded : and perform it faithfully, as 
if commanded by Myself. 

Let the Superior be whatever he may ; let him 
act through this motive or that; what matters it to 
thee ? follow thou Me : seek to imitate My Heart, 
My Will, and be not troubled or uneasy about the 
rest. 

4. The simple performance of another's will is 
not the virtue of obedience. Do not irrational 
creatures do so ? nay more, even machines made 
by the hand of man ? 

It is necessary, when thou dost the will of the 
Superior, to be willing to perform with a submis- 
sive heart, that which he wishes thee to do : that 
thus thou mayst cheerfully carry out My Will, 
made known through the Superior. 

For, although it may happen, that the Superior 
does command through ill-will or passion, it is 
yet My Will, that, when no evil is commanded, 
thou perform, with a good heart, what the Superior 
requires. For the rest, I will judge the motive of 
the Superior, who commands, and of the inferior, 
who obeys; and render to each one that which is just. 

My Child, do not imitate them, who, deceiving 
themselves, endeavor, by direct or indirect means, 
to bring over the Superior to their own will. These, 
although, in this manner, they have the will and 
consent of the Superior, do not fulfill My Will, but 



208 



THE SECOND BOOK. 



their own ; nor do they practice the virtue of obe- 
dience, but they obey self-love ; nor are they guided 
by Me, but by themselves. 

5. In order that the virtue of obedience be per- 
fect, it is necessary that, — believing that whatever 
I require of thee through obedience is justly de- 
manded, — thou submit also thy understanding or 
judgment to My divine authority, represented in 
the person of the Superior. 

The less thou shalt see the reason of the things 
which are demanded of thee, and the more incon- 
sistent that which is enjoined shall appear to thy 
manner of judging ; so much the nobler shall be 
thy obedience, and so much the more merit shalt 
thou have, if thou submit thy understanding, and 
fulfill with a good will what is commanded. 

Cast aside, therefore, without examination, what- 
soever the pride of reason, or the repugnance of 
sense, may object, in the sincere belief that My di- 
vine Will, made known to thee through the Supe- 
rior, rests upon the best and most certain motives, 
although thou thyself dost not see them. 

It happens, frequently, that the inferior does not 
.see, and that the Superior does not know, the true 
reasons for which, by the Superior's command, I 
desire such, or such other things to be done by the 
inferior. Both are not rarely unconscious instru- 
ments in the fulfillment of My secret designs. 

If thou wert humble of heart, and burning with 
love for Me, it would not be hard, or difficult, to 



CHAPTER VHI. 



20S 



abandon, for My sake, thy judgment md will ; and 
it would be most consoling and sweet, to have thy 
weak understanding guided by My infinite Wisdom, 
and thy will, prone to evil, conformed to My divine 
Will, the rule of all good. 

6. A great thing is obedience : a sublime virtue, 
whereby a person overcomes himself, and so dedi- 
cates himself wholly to Me, that he retains for him- 
self nothing of his own, but offers himself entirely 
to Me, as a holocaust. 

Do I desire other sacrifices without this one ? Do 
I not rather require that I be obeyed? Better is 
obedience than a victim. 

Who is stronger than the obedient man ? The 
obedient man shall speak triumphantly ; yea, shall 
triumph under all circumstances. For he aims at 
naught, except the doing of the divine Will, which 
he always secures. 

What is there, My Child, which the obedient man 
dares not? He dares everything, when commanded ; 
he brings to a favorable issue many and great 
things, whilst the disobedient loses courage and 
fails. 

7. Nothing is safer or more secure than obe- 
dience. The obedient person is never lost ; nor does 
he perish who submits his will and judgment to 
authority. But he that disobeys, he that follows 
his own judgment and will, to the neglect of au- 
thority, he is generally lost, and perishes. 

The obedient man, certain of the reward of his 
18 



210 



THE SECOND BOOK. 



actions, shall not even be held to an account : they 
that are placed over him, and direct him, shall he 
obliged to give the account. 

8. Lastly, My Child, so necessary is obedience, 
that no works, howsoever good they be otherwise, 
if contrary thereto, can be pleasing to Me ; nor can 
they acquire for thee any merits. 

There is no state, no condition, no person on 
earth, that is not bound to obey. Without obe- 
dience, the order which God, who loves order ne- 
cessarily, has established, could not be preserved. 

"Wherever thou mayst be placed by obedience, be 
assured, that thou couldst nowhere be better ; and 
that thou canst do nothing more pleasing to Me, 
and more useful to thyself, than that which is en- 
joined by obedience. 

Blessed are the obedient ! they hasten on to- 
ward heaven, with true liberty, in great peace, in 
permanent security ; but the disobedient groan be- 
neath the galling tyranny of their own will : they 
enjoy no rest of heart, through a wearisome road 
they wander toward perdition. 

9. My Child, whence is wont to arise the difficulty 
in obeying ? Is it not from this, that thou regard- 
est the person of the Superior, his qualifications, 
his manner of acting, or his motives for command- 
ing? that thou considerest not, in singleness of faith, 
as thou shouldst, the divine authority and Will 
alone ? 

Such an example, My Child, I did not give. 



CHAPTER VIII. 



211 



Such was not the disposition of My Heart. Al- 
though I was wiser and better than all the mortals 
who exercised authority over Me, yet I was heartily 
submissive to them, without considering the per- 
sons or their qualifications, without judging the 
motives which made them act or command. 

Nay more, I did willingly and faithfully obey, 
as if it were the manifestation of My Father's 
Will, the command of Cesar Augustus, a pagan, 
who issued his decree with an evil-minded will : 
and, by complying with this order, I did really do 
My Father's Will, — that I should be born in the 
city of Bethlehem, as the prophets inspired by the 
Holy Grhost had foretold. 

Observe My whole life : thou wilt find it fre- 
quently distinguished by similar deeds. 

Look, then, My Child, and act according to the 
example which My Heart has given thee. If thou 
do this, thou wilt find obedience easy, sweet, and 
full of consolation. 

10. The voice of the Disciple. — Jesus! how 
holy, how wonderful is Thy Heart ! how great and 
profound the lessons It teaches ! how easy It makes 
everything ! Happy he that understands this ! 

Yea, blessed he that, taught by the example of 
Thy Heart, fulfills the divine Will with cheerful- 
ness ! Behold, such a one is guided by infinite 
Wisdom, helped by almighty Power, protected by 
the divine Goodness. 

Who, save the obedient man, enjoys these favors ! 



212 



THE SECOND BOOK. 



Let them preside and command who have received 
the power : for me, it is every way sweeter and bet- 
ter, to be subject and obedient. 

truly happy me, if I am truly obedient ! For 
the Lord God rules me, and I shall want nothing : 
set in a place of divine pasture, I roam secure 
therein ; there never-failing streamlets of living 
waters flow ; there Manna is daily showered down 
from heaven ; there do I live for Thee, Jesus ; 
there do I surely and contentedly merit heaven. 

By Thy most holy obedience, Jesus, most 
meek and humble of Heart, grant me, I beseech 
Thee, Thy grace and Thy love, that I may be per- 
fectly obedient, by renouncing my own will and 
judgment, and by following, in singleness of faith, 
Thy divine Will and authority, maniiested to me 
through lawful Superiors. 

Certainly, if I, blind-born as I am, follow self- 
love as a guide, what else awaits me, blind in my 
judgment and inclinations, except to fall into the 
pit and perish there ? 

1 tremble in every limb, Lord, when I call to 
mind, that many men, distinguished for deep sci- 
ence and extraordinary human prudence, — through 
want of obedience, have strayed from the way of 
salvation, and become reprobates. 

Behold, I devote and intrust myself altogether 
to Thy most wise, holy, and divine Will. Give me, 
I entreat Thee, Thy singleness of understanding, 
Thy readiness of Will : grant me the lowliness and 



CHAPTER IX. 



213 



charity of Thy Heart, that I may be like Thee, as 
an infant that remains contented, wheresover it may 
be placed, whithersoever it may be carried ; in short, 
in whatsoever manner it may be treated. 



CHAPTER IX. 



THAT, AT THE CIRCUMCISION, THE MOST SACRED 
HEART OP JESUS TEACHES US MORTIFICATION 
OP HEART. 

1. The voice of the Disciple. — Scarcely yet art 
Thou come among us, Thou the delight of 
heaven, sweet Jesus! and behold! Thou pouresfc 
out Thy Blood ! Disclose to me, I pray, what 
was the design of Thy Heart therein : show me, I 
entreat Thee, what were then the feelings of Thy 
Heart. For, whatsoever Thy Heart feels, I also 
long to feel. 

The voice of Jesus. — My Child, thou oughtest 
to be so disposed, as not to stop at the things which 
thou perceivest by the senses ; but so as to go for- 
ward even unto My very Heart. 

Attend, then, and consider how mortified is My 
Heart. I knew well that I was not at all bound by 
the law of Circumcision ; that, by complying there- 
with, I should be reckoned among sinners, lowered 



214 



THE SECOND BOOK. 



before men ; that My Body should unuergo suffer- 
ings, and My Soul debasement; but My Heart, 
moved by the divine Will, enkindled by love as 
with a living flame, overcame all this. 

Understand, My Child, the inner sentiments of 
My Heart, and be mindful of putting on the same. 

All things were well-ordered in My Heart : there 
is naught inordinate in My whole Humanity. Yet, 
I did never act from a mere inclination of My hu- 
man nature. 

This T either overcame or passed by, and in all 
things, even those which were natural, I acted ever 
from a supernatural principle. 

Whether the things, to be done or undergone, 
were pleasing or displeasing to the feelings of hu- 
man nature ; this was never the cause, or reason, 
why I did either embrace or shun them. 

I was ever moved by the divine Will to do and 
suffer, with a willing Heart, all things that were 
according to the divine good pleasure. 

2. Behold, My Child, the example which thou 
must follow, if thou desirest to be a true Disciple 
of My Heart. 

If thou lookest well into thy heart, thou shalt 
find it divided, as it were, into two parts, each of 
which is anxious to sway it. 

One of these, a sensual propensity, is called the 
inferior ; the other, a rational inclination, the supe- 
rior part. The former is especially viciated by 



CHAPTER IX. 



215 



original sin : the latter is still guided by a supernal 
ray. 

With the first, the spirit of evil is wont to har- 
monize ; the good Spirit, on the other hand, 
espouses the cause of the second. 

The inferior part struggles to extend its sway 
over the whole heart, and maintain it by means of 
pride and self-love, the leaders of all other vices. 

The superior part, through humility and charity 
— which preside over the whole host of virtues — 
desires, with perfect justice, to rule, to conquer and 
subdue, as its foe, the part opposed. 

3. These two parts, My Child, are the two do- 
mestic enemies, that hardly ever cease to war 
against each other, whose aims are opposite, — that 
can be put down and subjugated, but never de- 
stroyed or exterminated. 

The superior part, through the divine favor, by 
the freedom of its will, possesses such strength, 
that not only the inferior part, but the whole world 
and all hell united, cannot force it to a surrender. 

Therefore, the inferior part, together with the 
evil spirit, endeavors, by every possible means, to 
encompass, to disturb, to deceive, to worry the 
same. It tries every artifice : at one time violence, 
at another caresses ; now perverseness, then up- 
rightness ; sometimes it shows itself an enemy, at 
others a friend. 

Unless thou do carefully attend, thou wilt hardly 
be able to distinguish between them. Yet, it is 



216 



THE SECOND BOOK. 



necessary to know them distinctly. For, in this 
discernment depends the right governing of the 
heart; by it illusions are avoided, vain fears are 
made to disappear, inward peace is preserved ancl 
retained, even amid the greatest afflictions. 

The more one part is mortified and subdued, the 
more the other is made to live and triumph. 

4. The first thing, therefore, to be deadened in 
thy heart, is that inferior part, the inordinate crav- 
ing of nature, which is also called selfishness, or 
the spirit of nature. Against this thou must never 
cease to fight. 

If, at any time, this enemy, frightened by thy 
bravery, be put to flight, or forced to conceal him- 
self — until a more favorable opportunity presents 
itself — do thou diligently seek him out, and, when 
found, strike him down with fresh ardor. 

Thou wilt know him by this mark, that he ever 
aims immoderately at what is either too high or 
too low, being ever carried off by an inordinate 
liking, or dislike, beyond the order which divine 
Providence has established. 

On the one hand, proud and wandering beyond 
his sphere, and relying on his own powers, he 
would fain search and look into the insearchable 
counsels of the Diety ; and, although he does not 
fully comprehend aught of what is beneath him, 
yet, he would measure, by Ats own dullness and 
imbecility, the Wisdom, Power, and other perfec- 



CHAPTER IX. 



217 



tions of God, which, in their very nature, are in- 
comprehensible. 

He struggles against admitting, what he does not 
both see and love. 

He is ashamed and unwilling to own that he has 
erred : if it is proved, he grows stubborn. 

He seeks to be prominent ; he shrinks from the 
thought of being surpassed, or brought under in 
anything. 

He takes for granted that he can do everything : 
if he has brought something to a prosperous issue, 
he is wonderfully self-pleased, and boasts as if he 
had performed a miracle : has he done aught un- 
successfully ? he murmurs, excuses himself, or 
throws the blame upon others. 

He is not concerned about what he is in reality, 
but about what he may appear to be before others : 
he seeks to be esteemed : he is anxious that others 
should speak of him : he longs to possess the affec- 
tion of men. 

He gains enough, if he is praised : if no one 
praise him, he himself makes up the deficiency. 

In himself, he either sees no faults, or he dis- 
guises them : in his neighbor, he descries them 
everywhere. 

He is prone to despise others ; to suspect many 
things, and to twist them into evil. 

Hence, on the other hand, he is ever inclined to 
what is low : what pleases the flesh, what flatters 
19 



218 



THE SECOND BOOK. 



the senses, what savors of the world, he loves, he 
relishes. 

He judges matters according to his own pro- 
pensity, not according to the reality of the things 
themselves. 

As he has himself for an end, he seeks in every- 
thing his own convenience or pleasure : he even 
endeavors betimes to adapt things divine to himself. 
For he undertakes occasionally to serve Me, whilst 
he desires to gratify himself. 

Wherefore, he easily gives admittance to the 
angel of darkness, who, taking the shape of an angel 
of light, suggests to him many things apparently 
pious, beautifully thought, tenderly felt : all which 
increases his pride, and keeps up his self-love. 

5. My Child, if this spirit of nature triumphs 
over the heart, it effects the ruin of the heart. 

It behooves thee, therefore, to deaden this part 
of the heart, by resisting it, by going counter 
thereto, and by unceasingly repressing the same, as 
long as it remains viciated or ill-ordered. 

Do not think this hard, My Child : it is incom- 
parably more easy and pleasant to subdue the same, 
and govern it when subdued, than to be ruled and 
tormented thereby. 

6. But, since natural reason cannot, by itself, 
attain to a supernatural end, thou must likewise, 
by mortification, purify and elevate the superior 
part of the heart. 

For, if thou actest from natural reason alone, 



CHAPTER IX.. 



210 



thou canst thence gather no merit for life everlast- 
ing ; nor wilt thou be called a Disciple of My 
Heart. 

Thou must, then, mortify the whole heart, and 
subject it to grace ; so that, in all things, it obeys 
the divine good pleasure. 

In thoughts, in words, in deeds, in sufferings, 
thou shouldst be moved by divine grace, guided 
by a supernatural reason, directed to Me as thy end. 

Nowhere suffer thyself to be hurried into any 
act, by the mere motion or impulse of nature : but 
follow grace, act according to My Spirit. 

Use the powers of nature, not as causes or prin- 
ciples, but as means or instruments for things 
supernatural. 

7,i This mortification of the heart,— which is the 
rule of the interior life, and the spirit of the 
Saints, — is that more useful and necessary mortifi- 
cation, whereby the roots of vices are plucked up, 
the dangers of temptations avoided, the very causes 
of inward troubles removed. 

This holy mortification is to be practiced, not 
with fretfulness, harshness or anxiety, but with a 
tranquil and generous heart. 

Now, My Child, in thy heart there are things so 
great and numerous to be mortified, and they lie so 
hidden from thee, that, unless enlightened by grace, 
thou couldst not so much as see them ; and when 
thou seest them, unless strengthened by grace, thou 
mightst be overpowered by the sight of them. 



220 



THE SECOND BOOK. 



Wherefore, thou must have recourse to prayer 
without intermission, that thou mayst obtain light 
and strength from above: 

Then will I, — knowing that, as yet, thou art un- 
able to bear the knowledge of all the imperfections of 
thy heart, — so gently order things, that thou mayst 
know and overcome them by degrees, since I will 
proportion the grace of strength to the grace of 
light. 

And thou, My Child, must unremittingly be on 
thy guard, lest thou shut thy eyes to this light sent 
from above, or neglect to co-operate with this 
heaven-given strength. For this might be the be- 
ginning of thy downfall. 

Be faithful : allow thyself to be led by grace in 
all and to all ;*and thou wilt experience such things 
as the Saints have experienced, whereby thou wilt 
doubtless come to My Heart, and God shall be ex- 
alted, and thou shalt be made holy ; the more per- 
fectly, the more closely thou shalt become assimi- 
lated to My Heart. 

8. The voice of the Disciple. — most kind and 
sweet Jesus ! how great is the goodness of Thy 
Heart ! Even to me unworthy, Thou hast made 
known the way of the interior life, wherein all the 
Saints walk with Thee. 

Behold ! my heart is ready to follow Thee in 
this holy way : guide me in truth, and teach me to 
do Thy good pleasure. 

Too long have I followed the motion of nature : 



CHAPTER X. 



221 



too long have 1 acted by natural propensity or 
aversion : I have led altogether too much of a 
natural life. 

Grant me, I beseech Thee, Lord, to live hence- 
forth by grace ; to follow Thy Spirit in whatever I 
may have to do or suffer. 

Grant that my heart, created by Thee, ransomed 
by the price of the Blood of Thy Heart, endowed 
by Thee, at its every pulsation, with new favors, — 
may at last, disengaged from creatures, soar to 
Thee, live for Thee alone, love Thee alone above 
all else. 



CHAPTER X. 

THAT, AFTER THE EXAMPLE OF THE MOST SACRED 
HEART OF JESUS, ADORED BY THE MAGI, WE 
SHOULD OVERCOME ALL HUMAN RESPECT. 

1. The voice of Jesus.— Behold ! My Child, the 
Magi had come from the East : and, entering the 
Cave, they found Me, an Infant, with Mary, My 
Virgin Mother. 

Observe My Heart, and imitate Its disposition. 
Such as It was in the presence of My own, such It 
is before strangers ; as It was before shepherds of 
the lowest estate, so It is before Magi of the high- 
est rank : I was not ashamed of the lowliness of 



THE SECOND BOOK. 



My Birth, the obscurity of My condition, the prac- 
tice of every virtue. 

In this, My Heart does not regard the judgments 
of men, but, setting aside human respect, It pursues 
the things that please My Father. 

2. Happy he, that imitates this fortitude of My 
Heart ; that, with his heart undaunted, overcomes 
human respect ! 

For as My heavenly Father confessed Me, be- 
cause I confessed Him ; so, whosoever shall con- 
fess Me before men, him also will I confess before 
My Father. 

But woe to him, that shall be ashamed before 
men of Me, of My teaching, of My example ! of 
him will I also be ashamed before My Father, the 
Angels, and men themselves, when I shall come in 
Majesty to judge. 

3. What fearest thou, O man ? Does not reason 
itself tell thee, that honor is due to virtue, dishonor 
to vice? why then dost thou dread to practice vir- 
tue, as if thou though test it a disgrace? 

Behold ! beside G-od, none witness thy actions, 
except Angels and men. Now, pray then, which 
of these shouldst thou mind ? 

The good Angels, — if thou boldly avowest thy- 
self My servant, — will joyfully extol thy greatness 
of, soul, and pray for the continuance of thy forti- 
tude. And men, as well the Saints in heaven, as 
the wise and good upon earth, feeling similarly dis- 
posed in thy regard, will act in like manner. 



CHAPTER X. 



223 



Yea, the reprobate angels, and foolish and wicked 
men, will admire thee, at least inwardly, in spite 
of themselves, although outwardly they speak 
against thee, to hide their own faint-heartedness 
and cowardice. Oughtest thou to heed the false 
judgments and idle talk of these? Wouldst thou 
be reckoned among these, and become a partaker 
of their lot ? 

Were all men to talk about thee, wouldst thou 
be different from what thou art? Thou art just 
what thou art before Me, My Child ; nor can the 
tongues of all creatures make thee greater or 
smaller. 

4. Who is he that can be pleasing to all ? None ; 
neither could I Myself obtain this. Do not, then, 
attempt what is impossible. 

Strive to please Me, as much as thou art able ; 
and, in this holy endeavor, care not for what the 
world may think concerning thee. 

If thou art still guided by a regard for men ; it 
is plain that thou hast not yet learnt humility and 
charity of My Heart. 

Whosoever is humble of heart, and impelled by 
divine love, desires not to please men ; nor fears 
he to displease them, when he cannot otherwise 
satisfy Me. 

Neither stands he in dread of the judgments 
and scoffs of the world, but he keeps his counte- 
nance, and goes his way; and, if My honor requires 
it, he utters his opinion with a holy freedom. 



224 



THE SECOND BOOK. 



He does nothing that he may be seen, he omits 
nothing through fear of being seen : he cares naught, 
whether he be praised or blamed by a foolish world; 
whether he be esteemed much or little. 

The world is for him, as if it were not : Me alone 
he has in view, since he knows that to Me every- 
thing is due ; to Me he loves to refer all, by whom 
alone he can and will be approved and .rewarded as 
he deserves. 

But it is no wonder, that whosoever gratifies 
pride and self-love, becomes the slave of human 
respect. 

For surely none is more a slave, than he that is 
swayed by human respect ; since he has as many 
masters, as he sees men. 

Meanwhile such a one will do nothing worthy of 
Me, — worthy of his own perfection. 

5. My Child, wheresoever thou mayst be, whether 
living in the world, or secluded from the world, be- 
ware of human respect. This vice is met every- 
where, not only among people of the world, but 
even among religious : from the world it enters into 
the sanctuary, and there it stands an abomination 
in the Holy of Holies. 

Many, deceiving themselves, under the semblance 
of charity or prudence, yield to human respect : 
and were they to look properly into themselves, they 
Would discover, that it is not the virtue of charity 
or prudence, but the vail of timid pride and self- 
love. 



CHAPTER X. 



225 



The voice of the Disciple. — Yet. Lord, is it proper, 
always and everywhere, publicly to proclaim virtue, 
and to profess it openly ? If so, I pray Thee, how 
is this to be done? if not, what rule should be fol- 
lowed ? 

The voice of Jesus. — Sometimes, My Child, it is 
not expedient rashly to expose piety ; but never, 
and nowhere is it allowed to betray piety. 

In the practice of virtue, it is a sure and safe 
rule, to consider not one's own,, but the divine 
honor ; not to neglect the open profession of vir- 
tue, simply to avoid thy own confusion ; but to 
omit its open profession, when My honor or glory 
might suffer in consequence. 

6. In general, My Child, in whatever place thou 
mayst be, if, inasmuch as this rule allows, thou 
beginnest at once openly to practice virtue, it will 
not only give Me great honor, but also prove very 
advantageous to thyself. For thus the good and 
the wicked, as well as the fervent and the luke- 
warm, shall know thee ; the first will seek thy com- 
pany, and sustain thee: the last will let thee alone, 
and not ensnare thee. 

If any there be who do find fault with thy con- 
scientiously free and noble-souled deportment, be 
not, therefore, troubled or cast down; but call to 
mind, that if, to the injury of thy conscience, thou 
didst still seek to please men, thou shouldst not be 
the servant of God, nor a Disciple of My Heart. 

Besides, what would it avail, to be blamed by 



226 



THE SECOND BOOK 



none, and to be pleasing to all ? Couldst thou in the 
end be defended by mortal man, when I will be thy 
Judge ? or couldst thou be saved, whilst I condemn 
thee? 

What will be the feelings, after death, before Me, 
their Judge, of those cowardly souls, that, through 
human respect, placed during life the opinions of a 
foolish world before My judgments, and betrayed 
My cause ? 

Alas ! how many reprobates has human respect 
made, whose lot, had they spurned it, should now 
be among the Saints! 

7. Believe me. Child, it is every way better to 
regard My judgments, rather than those of men : 
if thou art pleasing to Me, that is enough for thee ; 
to please men alone, is simple vanity, mere mockery. 

Cheer up thy courage, My Child, look down upon 
the false sayings of men, that fly through the air., 
and only reach those who grasp them for them- 
selves. 

If thou dost once fully learn to raise thyself 
above every human respect, thou wilt hardly be 
again annoyed by it, and, thyself consistent, thou 
wilt pity the madness of the world, and the silliness 
of men, who suffer themselves, in so slavish a man- 
ner, to be dragged to destruction. 

And when thou hast come to this, that thou art 
no longer moved by any human respect, then, freed 
from a very great hindrance to salvation and per- 



CHAPTER X. 



227 



fection, thou shalt safely advance in the way of 
virtue. 

8. The voice of the Disciple. — How true, how holy 
a doctrine Thou teachest, good Master, sweet 
Jesus ! Help me, I entreat Thee, to reduce it to 
practice. 

I am justly ashamed, Lord, of my past cowardice, 
my faint-heartedness. Often did I blush or fear 
to do what my heart approved as good and worthy 
of honor : on the other hand, I did not blush to 
give way to human respect, which it acknowledged 
to be evil and unbecoming. 

From a base fear of men's opinions, I have fre- 
quently betrayed Thy interests and Thy holy ser- 
vice, and thus rendered myself deserving of great 
shame and punishment. 

Have mercy on me, my God, and forgive my 
offenses, whereby, through human respect, I have 
turned away from Thy Will, and chosen rather, 
despite my conscience, to follow the opinion of the 
world. 

Bat now, mercifully recalled and taught by Thee, 
behold ! I am resolved to follow Thee, the sole 
guide to eternal blessedness. 

Let worldlings continue to call good, evil, and 
evil, good : let them still estimate honor by the 
changeable and worthless opinion of deluded men : 
let them still feed on vanity ; from Thee I know, 
and hold with certainty, that to cleave to Thee, is 
unchangeably good ; that to follow Thee, is truly 



228 



THE SECOND BOOK. 



honorable; that to enjoy Thee, mo «t sweet Jesus, 
the fountain of life and of all good things, does 
really constitute bliss. 



CHAPTER XI. 

THAT OP THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS, PRE- 
SENTED IN THE TEMPLE, WE SHOULD LEARN TO 
HAVE, IN ALL THINGS, A RIGHT INTENTION. 

1. The voice of Jesus. — My Child, when the days 
were accomplished, that they should present Me to 
the Lord, I offered Myself and all I had, to My 
heavenly Father, with a pure desire of pleasing 
Him. 

Although, at My Incarnation, I had forever con- 
secrated Myself and My whole life to My Father ; 
yet, I never omitted to dedicate to Him every par- 
ticular action of My life, and keep in view His good 
pleasure. 

But, since a good intention is a matter of such 
importance in the interior life, that no one can be 
a true Disciple of My Heart without it, My Heart 
did not cease to show, teach, inculcate this by Its 
example. 

Look at My life from its beginning unto the 
end : did My Heart anywhere please Itself? did It 
seek the glory of the world ? 

In all My life, Child, can be found no act arising 
from the mere impulse of human nature, none from 



i 



CHAPTER XI. 



229 



mere custom, none from mere necessity, none, 
finally, whether great or small, which did not spring 
from the motive of fulfilling the divine Will, of 
pleasing the divine Majesty. 

2. How happy he that has put on this sentiment 
of My Heart ! he is ever useful to himself, ever 
dear to Me. his Saviour-Grod. 

What is that which is acceptable to Me ? the in- 
ward affection, rather than the outward act; the 
intentions of the heart, rather than the fulfillment 
of the work. What do I reward forever? the fruit 
of grace, whereby thou art moved to act, and where- 
with thou co-operatest, not the effect of nature — 
whereby thou art stirred up, or which thou fol- 
lowest. 

My grace moves the Will to do whatsoever things 
are by Me directly or indirectly commanded or de- 
sired. These I wish to be so done, that they be 
supernaturally good and meritorious : wherefore, to 
do them, I give an actual grace, without which 
they could not be supernaturally good and merit- 
orious. If then, thou art induced to act by My Will 
or good pleasure, know, that thou art moved by 
grace, a supernatural principle. 

But the end or intention of thy will forms the 
species of the act. Such as is thy intention, such 
will be the act that follows. 

If thou hast a right intention, thou wilt, before 
and above all, intend and seek My good pleasure, 
Me, — thy end and supreme Good. 



230 



THE SECOND BOOK. 



It sometimes happens, that the primary inten- 
tion of an action is right, but that a wrong 
secondary intention creeps in. When this occurs, 
the goodness of the action indeed is not wholly 
destroyed, but is lessened in part : and the actor 
becomes guilty of so much, as there has been of ill- 
regulated or evil will, in the viciated intention. 

Behold ! My Child, I am Alpha and Omega, the 
beginning and the end : therefore, all things must 
be derived from Me, — be referred to Me. 

If, then, thou wouldst be blamed, when thou 
dost not refer them to Me ; how much more so, if 
thou turnest them aside to thyself, or to My enemy, 
the world ? 

3. A precious thing, a wonderful virtue, My 
Child, is a right intention, whereby actions, al- 
though natural and indifferent in themselves, when 
done by means of grace, become supernatural and 
meritorious. A marvelous secret, whereby lead, 
and brass, and other metals, are changed into pure 
gold. 

Beware, however, lest thou fall into that quite 
common delusion which makes men fancy that, by 
substituting a good intention, they can render 
meritorious a work or action undertaken, not by 
grace, or by My Will, but from the sole motive of 
nature, aversion or inclination, or from self-will 
alone. 

Follow thou, with a right aim, everything begun 
according to My good pleasure. 



CHAPTER XI. 



231 



Of what avail is a work, how great or praise- 
worthy soever it may outwardly appear, to him that 
does it without a right intention ? 

On the other hand, that which is done with a 
pure intention, how little and lowly soever it may 
seem, becomes excellent, and altogether beneficial. 

4. Would that men knew and practiced this art 
of acting rightly ! how easily could they merit a 
bright crown in heaven ! 

There are those who work much and gain little ; 
who busy themselves about everything ; who attempt 
many and various things, but, in the end, find 
themselves with almost empty hands ; because, like 
irrational creatures, they act without an end, or 
pursue an end ill-ordered and unworthy. 

How many there are, who exchange the fruit of 
their labors for an empty breath of praise or admir- 
ation ; wherewith they ever long to feed their 
weary and hungry heart ! 

Behold ! how many there are, who make so much 
of the smoke of vain glory, that they buy it at a 
price, by which they might purchase for themselves 
the kingdom of endless glory. 

Is there not an endless number of such madmen ? 
Take heed, My Child, lest thou be reckoned among 
them. 

There are others who appear to be doing little, 
and yet deserve to become very holy ; these are 
they who think, that he does enough, who does the 
Will of God. 



232 



THE SECOND BOOK. 



5. My Child, when thou devotest thyself to Me 
in exercises of piety, thou must place, even above 
these practices themselves, the intention of doing 
My good pleasure. Thus, whether thou feelest 
consolation or desolation, thou shalt remain calm, 
gather certain fruit, and honor Me. 

If thou art engaged in works of duty or charity 
toward thy neighbor, let Me be the end of those 
works ; for thus it will happen, that thou shalt 
never fail of thy reward, and that thou shalt lose 
nothing of thy peace, — whether thy neighbor be 
or be not improved. 

If thou hast in view no other object except My sole 
good pleasure, thou shalt be contented and happy 
in every event ; because thou knowest, that I do not 
demand of thee, and will not crown in thee, aught 
save only thy good efficacious will ; and that suc- 
cess depends upon Me. who order all things ac- 
cording to infinite Wisdom. 

By means of a pure intention, thou art enabled 
to remain undisturbed and tranquil amid hardships, 
distresses, yea amid temptations themselves : for, 
since purity of intention raises thee before Me 
above sensible things, thou needest not to be an- 
noyed by what thou feelest against thy will. 

Finally, My Child, whether thou art in action or 
at rest, whether thou laborest or divertest thyself, 
whether thou art watching or sleeping, whether 
thou eatest or drinkest ; whether, in short, thou art 
doing aught else, do all things, to follow My good 



CHAPTER XI. 



233 



pleasure, to be acceptable to Me ; and, behold ! a 
great and ever-increasing amount of merits will ac- 
crue to thee. 

6. In the morning, thou must daily make a gene- 
ral intention, whereby everything to be done or 
suffered during that day, is directed to this last 
end, that, for love of Me, thou mayst accomplish 
My Will, and thus please Me. This good, this 
holy intention, will give life to all things that fol- 
low, and will virtually continue to add vigor to 
them. 

It is also of the greatest importance to renew, 
during the day, thy good intention before every 
action ; nay more, when it can be done conve- 
niently, to renew the same during the action. 

But to do all things with a right end, it will be 
of very great help, to foresee occasions of meriting, 
dangers of losing, — -virtues to be practiced, snares of 
pride and self-love to be avoided. 

One and the same action may be directed to sev- 
eral and different proximate ends, which, directly 
or indirectly, tend to the salvation of thy own soul, 
or of thy neighbor, or to My honor. Whence thou 
mayst acquire a great treasure of merits, of which 
they, who act with no aim of this kind, are de- 
prived. 

Moreover, every action may be made up of sev- 
eral virtues : as thou practicest as many virtues as 
thou intendest, and as to every act of virtue cor- 
responds a new degree of present grace and future 
20 



234 



THE SECOND BOOK. 



glory, it is easy to see how important a L-atter is 
this holy intention. 

But, My Child, thou must take care that these 
things be not done with anxiety, with injury to in- 
ward freedom, or with the loss of peace : for, so far 
from being useful, they would, on the contrary, be 
hurtful. 

Remember, lastly, that, inspired by the spirit of 
the same intention, that animated Me, thou ought- 
est to unite all thy actions and sufferings with Mine, 
if, as a Disciple of My Heart, thou art desirous of 
acting in a manner worthy of so high a vocation. 

7. My Child, vain self-love is so subtle, that it 
can easily assume any shape, and thrust itself into 
all things. 

Whence it will happen, that, unless thou be cau- 
tious, thou mayst be animated and led by that spirit 
of self, rather than by My own. Nor does human 
light or prudence suffice to distinguish this, since 
neither can, of itself, discern things supernatural ; 
but a light from above, and the divine assistance 
are needed. 

Wherefore, thou must pray without ceasing, that 
thou mayst be enlightened from heaven ; and beg 
fervently that thou mayst be helped by grace, 
whereby thou art enabled to tend, rightly and 
singly, above all things to Me. 

8. The voice of the Disciple. — I pray and be- 
seech Thee, Lord Jesus, Author of all good, give 
Thou light to my mind, love to my heart, strength 



CHAPTER XII. 



235 



to my whole being, that I may ever rightly accom- 
plish what is pleasing to Thee. 

Grrant me true earnestness, a holy intention, that, 
in all things, I may do Thy good pleasure, without 
turning to the right or to the left. 

Suffer not that, henceforth, I be so foolish as to 
lose the merit of my actions, for the sake of grasp- 
ing an airy phantom ; nor so undutiful as to snatch 
away the glory which belongs to Thee ! 

Pour into my heart, I implore Thee, the purity 
of Thy Heart, that I may, above all else, direct my 
thoughts to Thee, find Thee, and repose in Thee, 
my God, my beginning and my end, the centre and 
rest of my soul. 



CHAPTER XII. 

OP THE FREEDOM OF HEART, WHICH THE MOST 
SACRED HEART OF JESUS, IN HIS FLIGHT INTO 
EGYPT, TEACHES US. 

1. The voice of Jesus. — Behold, My Child, king 
Herod sought Me, a Child, that he might put Me 
to death, But Joseph, warned by an Angel, took 
Me and My Mother, by night, and retired into 

Egypt. 

The unseasonable hour of the night, My tender 
age, the condition of My parents, the abandoning 



236 



THE SECOND BOOK. 



of My native land, the dwelling in a foreign coun- 
try, the tarrying among infidels, whose manners 
were contrary to Mine, the poverty and obscureness 
of My life, drudgery and hardship, everything in 
fine, was suited to render the heart cheerless. 

Yet, amid all this, My Heart remained so free, 
that neither time, nor place, nor men, nor any cre- 
ated objects whatsoever could render It captive. 

2. My Child, strive, by every means in thy power, 
to imitate this holy freedom of My Heart. 

My Heart, elevated above the reach of all else, 
was restrained by the good pleasure of My Father 
alone. So also should thy heart, raised above all 
created objects, be held by the divine Will alone. 

The greatest freedom to which the heart of man 
can aspire is this, to be dependent upon no one, ex- 
cept its God. 

This is that true, that perfect liberty, whereby 
man is* nobly exalted, and elevated above his very 
Superiors, through whom, as the organs of God, he 
is pleased to have My Will made known. 

Whosoever possesses this freedom, is raised above 
every created power, above all the whims and fickle- 
ness of men, — above all the casual events of times, 
places, and circumstances ; in so much, that, unless 
he betray himself, he can be enslaved by no created 
object. 

But none can gain this privilege, unless he wholly 
devote to Me his heart, disengaged from every crea- 
ture. 



CHAPTER XII. 



237 



For, so long as thou inordinately desirest or fear- 
est aught, so long will thy heart be fettered and 
embarrassed. 

Thy heart will be a slave, so long as it follows 
its natural inclination in either direction, or seeks 
in anything, even in what is good, itself as its end. 

There are those who, released from sin and the 
world, endeavor to be also released from themselves, 
that they may freely live for Me : who yet sigh in 
My service, as under a heavy yoke ; because they 
suffer themselves to be insnared by a delusion, 
whereby they fancy Me a troublesome ruler, or a 
harsh master, ever bent on discovering something 
to punish. 

These, assuredly, do Me great injustice, deter 
their neighbors from My service, and render them- 
selves wretched to no purpose. 

3. Am I not a Father? Where is there a father's 
heart like Mine? who then is so much a father, as 
I am ? A Father infinitely wise, who know every- 
thing, — what is useful, what is hurtful to My chil- 
dren : infinitely powerful, against whose Will no 
enemies, whether visible or invisible, can do the 
least harm to My children : infinitely good, who 
love My children with a Heart burning with a di- 
vine love, and long to turn all things, evil as well as 
good, to their advantage. 

Wherefore, show in My service, that thou art the 
worthy child of such a Father : and, do not, by a most 



238 



THE SECOND BOOK. 



unseemly crime, conduct thyself as the servant of an 
overbearing master. 

Do but keep the good will, of shunning whatso- 
ever thou knowest is displeasing, and of doing what- 
soever thou understandest is agreeable to Me : and 
then expand thy heart, — not, indeed, to the false 
freedom, the hard yoke of the children of the world, 
but to the true freedom, the sweet privilege of the 
children of My Heart. 

4. This do I love, that My children enjoy a holy 
freedom ; and I consider Myself greatly honored 
thereby. 

Use, therefore, a becoming diligence to please 
Me, and be not anxious to know, whether in reality 
thou art pleasing to Me : but, setting aside all sub- 
tlety of the understanding, and all uneasiness of the 
will, throw thyself with confidence on My Heart. 
It cannot be otherwise than that, so far from being 
offended, I will rather be delighted with this free- 
dom of heart, inspired by a pure and generous love. 

Under My guidance, under My protection, under 
My divine care, be thou free from all inordinate- 
ness; neither do thou excessively fear hell, the 
world, nor thyself. For although, of thyself, thou 
art able to do nothing, thou canst do much in Me, 
in whom thou believest, in whom thou hopest, 
whom thou lovest. 

If, at any time thou fallest into faults, do not 
conduct thyself like a menial servant, who, full of 
alarm, stands in dread of stripes, and is desirous 



CHAPTER XII. 



239 



either of running away, or of cowardly hiding him- 
self: but act like a child that loves his father, and 
forthwith endeavors to make up for his guilt, — 
who runs to his father, with so much the more free- 
dom, the greater the goodness which he knows him 
to possess. 

As often, therefore, as thou sadly fallest, do thou 
return to Me in a child-like manner, — ask forgive- 
ness, and renew thy resolve of being faithful : nor 
suffer thou the peace of thy heart to be disturbed, 
or thy freedom lessened. 

5. Neither should the means of perfection fetter 
thy heart ; for even these, if they took away the 
holy freedom of thy heart, would be obstacles rather 
than means. 

Wherefore, so soon as I make known to thee My 
Will, thou must freely overlook everything else, 
and be solely dependent on My bidding. . 

Take heed, however, My Child, lest, under pre- 
tense of a holy freedom, thou indulge the fickleness 
of the heart, — as they do who allow themselves to 
be guided by feeling, not by principle. 

To them, that which a little before was pleasing, 
now becomes irksome : in the glow of fervor, they 
assume spiritual practices, and soon afterwards leave 
them off again, or perform them with distaste 5 they 
live now in one way, and, in a short time, wearied 
therewith, they try another ; now, they mortify 
themselves severely, as if they were wholly spirit- 



240 



THE SECOND B DOK. 



ual; and, soon again, having become really sensual, 
they flatter nature. 

This, surely, is not to be a child of freedom, but 
the sport of fickleness, the slave of feeling. 

6. My Child, be thou more steadfast in regard to 
thy freedom. If thou art busied with any employ- 
ments, do not give thyself up to them, — merely lend 
thyself to them, — lest, instead of thyself being their 
master, they perchance rule thee. 

As often as thou feelest thyself impelled by na- 
ture, either to undertake or to perform something, 
do thou forthwith' check thy ardor: otherwise thou 
shalt soon perceive, that thy heart is being fettered, 
and that the matter itself is less rightly done. 

Let no place on earth hold thy heart bound to 
itself: keep it free everywhere, knowing that I, 
thy God, am found in all places ; that, My children 
are everywhere cherished by My Spirit ; finally, 
that where My Spirit is, there is true freedom. 

Wherever, therefore, thou raayst be, be master 
of thyself: in all things whatsoever, whether inter- 
nal or external, whether spiritual or temporal, 
whether lofty or lowly, keep thy heart fiee, united 
above everything with the divine Will. 

7. My Child, thou shouldst so cherish and guard 
the freedom of thy heart, that no one, — neither thy 
inferior, nor an equal, nor even thy Superior, — can 
take it away. 

Wherefore, thou oughtest to judge of nothing, 
nor strive after it, according to the semblance of 



CHAPTER XII. 



241 



things, the opinion of men, or thy own feeling. In 
all things, let the standard of thy judgment be the 
truth, which thou wilt find, by examining how My 
Heart has judged them : and let My Will be the 
rule of thy desiring. This truth will free thee, and 
thou shalt be free indeed : this divine Will shall 
guide thee, and keep thee free. 

The more glorious this holy freedom of heart is 
to Me, — the more useful to thyself and to thy 
neighbor, — with the more care is it to be fostered, 
the more resolutely is it to be defended against thy 
foes. 

Beside the demon and the world, nature will also 
frequently rise up against it. Pride, with many 
reasonings, and self-love, in various ways, will prey 
upon it, to cause it to yield, at least in some or 
other matter. 

But thou wilt frustrate and overcome the assaults 
and stratagems of thy enemies, if thou goest boldly 
counter to what these foes suggest, and if thou sim- 
ply followest My Will. 

Whosoever wills everything according to My 
divine good pleasure, — whosoever lives by this, and 
seeks his happiness therein, — enjoys a true and 
holy freedom, which I desire every Disciple of My 
Heart to possess, and which neither hell, nor the 
world, nor any creature, can take away. 

8. The voice of the Disciple. — Holy freedom t 
how sweet a name ! but sweeter far its possession : 
21 



212 



THE SECOND BOOK. 



most sweet its fruit. Would, good Jesus, that I 
might 3njoy it ! 

But alas, wretched me ! of how many things am 
I still the slave ! blushing with shame, I confess to 
Thee, Lord, that my heart is full often captivated 
and held by various things, yea, the most trifling, 
or imaginary. 

G-ive me, I entreat Thee, give me light to know, 
and strength to burst asunder all my chains, that at 
last I may be free in truth and holiness. 

Mercifully grant, most benign Jesus, that, to 
preserve holy freedom of heart, I may stand with a 
heart firm and undaunted, amid all the temptations 
of hell ; tbat I be unconquered and unshaken by 
the good and evil things, the sayings and doings of 
the world ; that, above all which is of self, I may 
repose and persevere in Thy most holy, most de- 
lightful good pleasure. 



CHAPTER XIII. 

THAT THE MOST SACRED HEART OP JESUS, GOING 
UP INTO THE TEMPLE, TEACHES US TO PRAY. 

1. The voice of Jesus. — Attend, My Child, and 
see how solicitous My Heart was, that, in public 
as well as in private, It might teach, by example, 
the ways of salvation and perfection. 

From My Childhood, I was wont, not only fre- 



CHAPTER XIII. 



243 



quently to pray alone, but also to go up to Jeru- 
salem, and to pray publicly in the Temple, and this 
according to custom. 

My Child, what was My whole life, if not a 
prayer, from which My Heart never ceased, with 
which It was always and everywhere occupied? 

Where did Mary, My Mother, and Joseph find 
Me when I was lost, if not in the Temple, the house 
of prayer ? Where My Disciples and friends, — 
except returning from prayer, with My Heart still 
praying? Where, in fine, My enemies, — except 
praying in the solitude of Gethsemane ? 

Examine carefully every day of My life ; behold ! 
the very dawn found Me at prayer, and, even at 
that time, sanctifying the labors of the day. 

When the toils of day were over, lo ! when all 
nature was at rest, the darkness of the night beheld 
Me praying, and pouring forth My Heart before 
My Father, — with the Angels alone as My wit- 
nesses. 

But even amidst the very labors of the day, how 
often did I withdraw a little from the multitude ! 
how often, whilst in the midst of the multitude, 
and during My labors, did I raise My Heart to My 
Father ! 

2. My Child, strive thou with special care and 
diligence, to acquire this Spirit of prayer, this holy 
habit of praying. 

All the Saints, and followers of the Sairks, all 
the Disciples of My Heart, learned this holy and 



244 



THE SECOND BOOK. 



sanctifying use of prayer. They prayed at stated 
times, not merely with, their lips, but also with 
their mind and heart : again, wherever they were 5 
under every circumstance of fortune, they had in- 
wardly recourse to Me by prayer, — making known 
to My Heart their joy and gratefulness, amid pros- 
perity ; imploring My help and comfort, in adver- 
sity ; asking counsel, in their doubts. 

So shouldst thou also do, My Child, if thou wilt 
aspire to holiness , yea, if thou art desirous of 
securing thy salvation. 

3. Meditate devoutly, every day. But beware, 
lest thy meditation prove a musing, rather thau a 
prayer ; a pious study, rather than a divine inter- 
course. 

Let the mind reason and reflect, as much as is 
necessary • but let the heart elicit acts, sometimes 
of faith, hope, charity ; sometimes of sorrow, hu- 
mility, self-denial ; again, of fortitude, of good and 
firm resolve ; again, of thanksgiving, of joy and 
exultation of heart with the Angels and Saints ; 
now of resignation, of conformity to the divine 
Will, of pure love, reposing in God's good pleasure ; 
or of any other virtue whatsoever ; then, let it fer- 
vently petition much for itself, and also for ethers : 
— for the Church and her ministers, for the perfec- 
tion of the Saints dwelling on earth, for the per- 
severance of the just, for the conversion of all sin- 
ners, heretics and infidels. 

In proportion as thou advancest in the interior 



CHAPTER XIII. 



245 



life, and attainest to a more perfect degree in the 
same, thou shouldst shorten thy reasonings, and 
give freer scope to the affections, so that thou treatest 
with Me in thy heart, hy means of acts and peti- 
tions, and, at last, by the mere occupation of divine 
union. 

Meditate and pray in this manner, My Child : 
and remember that, whether thou prayest orally or 
mentally, the heart must be foremost, in order that 
every prayer and supplication may be performed in 
an attentive and devout manner. 

Although thou mayst not be able to pray so well 
as thou desirest, do not think little of thy prayer, 
or neglect it. Verily, I Myself, do neither deem it 
of little importance, nor do I overlook the same. 

Do with a good will whatever thou art able ; by 
bo doing, be convinced that thou prayest well and 
meritoriously, and that thou wilt make progress in 
virtue, as well as in prayer. 

4. Let it not be sufficient for thee to pray at 
certain times : for it behooves thee to pray always, 
and not to grow faint. Behold My sweet command, 
according to which thou canst approach Me at all 
times, and, as a child, converse with Me. 

Everywhere there are obstacles, within and 
without : temptations from every side, both open 
and secret : always dangers, lest the crown 
promised to perseverance be lost. Exceedingly 
necessary, therefore, is grace, which, however, is 



246 



THE SECOND BOOK. 



not wont to be given, in a special manner, except 
to them that pray. 

Almost everything, then, depends on prayer : 
without prayer, evil things find no remedy, good 
things become dangerous ; but to him who prays, 
both good and evil will prove advantageous. 

Nowhere My Child, except in prayer, wilt thou 
acquire a true knowledge of Me and of thyself : 
therefore, without prayer, thou^wilt never attain to 
true humility and charity. 

Without prayer, thou wilt never fully understand 
My Heart, nor possess Its Spirit. Without prayer, 
thou wilt, in many things, not seize the sentiments 
of My Heart ; and, what is more dangerous, thou 
wilt measure My Heart by thy own. 

If in thy concerns thou hast recourse to prayer, 
it will not rarely happen, that thou judgest differ- 
ently of them, from what thou didst before ; because 
the light of divine grace, which is wont to be poured 
into the soul during prayer, is infinitely purer than 
the light of human reason. 

What thou didst think to have sprung from grace, 
thou shalt often find to be the offspring of nature : 
what thou didst fancy a virtue, thou shalt sometimes 
perceive to be self-love : what thou didst judge to 
be for My greater glory, thou shalt often under- 
stand to be the effect of thy hidden pride. 

5. The interior man, amid his troubles, has first 
recourse to Me, and begs for help : therefore, he is 
relieved, and obtains frequently extraordinary fa- 



CHAPTER XIII. 



247 



vors; whereas, he that has first recourse to human 
means, so far from being disburdened, increases his 
difficulties ; until, entering into himself, he comes 
to Me, -without whose aid human endeavors are of 
no avail to the suffering heart. 

My Child, if thou comest to My Heart whenever 
thou art in affliction, there will be no need to look 
for human consolations : thou shalt find one drop 
of My consolation sweeter and more effectual, than 
all the flood of men's consoling words. 

If, betimes, for My honor and for thy advantage, 
I give thee no sensible consolation to taste ; thou 
shalt still ever find true comfort in My Heart, both 
by resigning thyself to My good pleasure, and by 
receiving My assistance. 

This holy resignation, although, on the one hand, 
it is contrary to the feelings, and, therefore, bitter; 
yet, on the other, by means of grace, becomes so 
sweet, in spite of the feelings, that no one, unless 
be has experienced it, can fully understand the 
same. 

6. When the man of prayer is tempted, he be- 
comes more united with Me ; he is not cast down 
but raised ; he is not saddened but cheered up ; he 
is not shaken but rendered more firm. 

If, at any time, thou art overtaken by the storm, 
or even wrapt up in its thick darkness, turn thyself 
to Me, — who am ever present, — and, with thy heart, 
cling to Me confidingly: thou shalt be secure amid 
the very rage and gloom of the tempest ; and, some- 



248 



THE SECOND BOOK. 



times, thou, shalt be illumined with a ray of softest 
light from above, that thereby thou mayst see, that 
what thou thoughtest certain destruction, was either 
a mere nothing, or even an advantage. 

When thou art desirous of saying or doing some- 
thing, and a doubt or perplexity presents itself, 
whether or not it be lawful ; entering into thyself, 
hearken to My Spirit, and if, by having frequently 
recourse to Me, thou hast learnt to distinguish My 
whisperings, thou wilt perceive a clear decision, — 
which thou mayst follow with safety. 

A soul accustomed to have recourse to Me, has 
everywhere with her a protector, a counselor and 
comforter, whom, — not only when she is alone, but 
also whilst dealing with her neighbor, — she knows, 
and loves to call upon in her heart, to consult, and 
to entertain. 

7. After this do thou strive, My Child, for this 
do thou leave naught undone, that thou mayst ac- 
quire this pious habit of having recourse to My 
Heart, of tending towards Me as thy centre, of 
busying thyself inwardly with Me, of dealing with 
Me by means of prayer. This is that Spirit of 
prayer, which, if thou secure it for thyself, will 
lovingly entertain thee in solitude, will guard thee 
in public, will solace thee in adversity, will check 
thee in prosperity, will protect thee in dangers, and, 
everywhere at thy service, wi'l guide thee to holi- 
ness. 

The voice of the Disciple. — This, Lord, this 



CHAPTER XIII. 



249 



is a great good, exceedingly to be desired : yea, it 
seems that this alone is one of the main secrets of 
the interior life. But, by what means, I pray, shall 
I acquire this pious habit ? 

The voice of Jesus. — First of all, My Child, thou 
oughtest frequently to beg for the gift of prayer, of 
all gifts the best, — which embraces every gift : by 
prayer, as other things, so, especially, is the gift 
of prayer obtained. 

Next, it is a good counsel, — well-suited to ac- 
quire for thyself the habit of prayer, — as much as 
possible, so to arrange thy occupations, that no 
long interval ever intervene, during which thou dost 
not for sometime — or at least for a few moments — 
confer with Me by means of some spiritual prac- 
tice. 

Then, thou must make use of both inward and 
outward temptations and troubles, as of so many 
warnings, to turn thyself to Me, for the sake of 
evincing thy love, imploring grace, and renewing 
thy resolve of being faithful. 

Lastly, thou shouldst persist in thy repeated ef- 
forts, until thou art accustomed to make use of 
prayer, until thou hast recourse to Me under every 
circumstance, like a child to its parent, — not by 
the power of reason and reflection, but \ y a sponta- 
neous instinct. 

8. Cheer up, My Child, spare neither care nor 
diligence to acquire this science of the Elect, this 



250 



THE SECOND BOOK. 



object of the longing of all the Disciples of My 
Heart. It is worth all that and more. 

In prayer thou hast a support in thy wants ; 
amends for thy shortcomings; means for progress; 
a safe hope of perseverance ; whatsoever it is prof- 
itable to possess. 

Prayer is the refreshment of them that hunger 
and thirst after justice : prayer is the delight of 
pure. souls: prayer, to sum up all, is the employ- 
ment of the Saints, and their repose as well. 

Whilst thou prayest, thou honorest and glorifiest 
Me, thou performest that upon earth, which the 
Angels and Saints are doing in heaven, and which 
must be thy blissful occupation throughout a joy- 
ous eternity. 

9. The voice of the Disciple. — Delightful, indeed, 
Lord Jesus, are the things which Thou teachest me 
concerning prayer: they affect the heart by their 
unction, and fill it with love for that holy exercise. 

Behold, Lord, as much as I am able will I pray : 
I will pray with my mind, I will pray with my 
heart, I will pray with my lips. Help me with 
Thy grace. 

By Thy most Sacred Heart, I beseech Thee, 
grant me the spirit of prayer, in order that prayer, 
which is manifold, may also be my life. 

I ask not for extraordinary gifts, not the gift of 
prophecy, not the gift of miracles : grant these to 
them, whom, in Thy loving-kindness, Thou choos- 
est : never will I envy them. 



CHAPTER XIV . 



251 



But this I beg humbly ; this, I entreat Thee, 
grant Thou me, the gift of prayer, — the gift which 
is above every gift to me. 

Through it comes every good : through it I have 
access to the fountain of all Good : through it I 
find entrance into Thy very Heart. 



CHAPTER XIV. 

OF THE LOVE OF SOLITUDE, AFTER THE EXAMPLE 
OF THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS, ABIDING 
AT NAZARETH. 

1. The voice of Jesus. — My Child, after I had 
been at Jerusalem, engaged in the things which are 
My Father's, so long as My Father Himself willed 
it ; I went down to Nazareth, and there unknown, 
I advanced in grace with God and with men. 

Understand this My hidden life : study the 
sentiments of My Heart, and strive to imitate them 
sedulously. 

Thou mightet have seen Me, with a serene coun- 
tenance and a joyous Heart, now at home, intent 
on My various duties and occupations : now abroad, 
applying Myself to divers labors : always ready for 
everything: everywhere ob^J'.enL: at all times and 
in every place, a spectacle full of grace, to God 
My Father, to My Virgin Motlw* . to Joseph, and 
to the wondering Angels. 



252 



THE SECOND BOOK. 



Behold how the Son of God was employed for 
so long a time ! behold how He grew up, like the 
lily of the valleys, hidden indeed from the world, 
but prominent and pleasing in the sight of heaven. 

2. Wonder not, My Child, that I passed so many 
years in retirement, that I did not show Myself to 
the world, except after a long time. This example 
of Mine, this interior love of solitude, was exceed- 
ingly necessary to men. 

Without this love of solitude, men, influenced by 
corrupt nature, pour themselves out, as it were, into 
external things : most of them follow self-love, by 
imaginary and unusual ways and means of salvation 
and perfection, — whereby they are deceived, and 
led astray from the spirit of their state and voca- 
tion ; others obey a secret pride, undertake afftiirs 
and fill employments, without due preparation, 
without regularity, — seeking not the things which 
are Mine, but those which are their own. 

W hence it happens, that they wander from the 
right path. And as, — on account of the ceaseless 
bustle, and their applications to external things, — 
they heed not the divine inspirations, they fall from 
one error into another ; they become more and 
more wrapt up in their delusions, until, at last, they 
render fruitless to themselves every means of salva- 
tion and perfection. 

3. The object of the example of My hidden and 
inward life is two-fold : to teach men to guard 
against such evils, that they may keep the safe road 



CHAPTER XIV. 



253 



of salvation ; and to show to them, wherein true 
perfection consists. 

Whatever glitters or resounds, whatever awakens 
in some manner the attention or admiration of men, 
upon this, most men are wont to look, as something 
more perfect, and better adapted to glorify God, 
and to shine before their neighbor. 

But how great an error ! how great a delusion ! 
For it all arises from secret pride, and ends in self- 
love. 

In truth, perfection, as is made evident by the 
example of My Heart, consists in doing the divine 
good pleasure with humility and charity. 

Without a regard for solitude, man is not wont 
to understand, at all times, the divine Will, to guard 
humility, or to preserve true, — not fictitious, — 
charity. 

Pray, therefore, My Child, that thou mayst be 
worthy to acquire and cherish a love for solitude. 
It is so great a good, that there exists hardly any- 
thing so useful, both to act with a right spirit, and 
to pray with the same spirit. 

Examine the lives of the Saints, and thou shalt 
not find one among them, who did not love sacred 
solitude. 

4. The solitude, which, the faithful must cherish, 
is relative to their state and condition of life. 
Whence it may happen, that what is praised in one, 
ought to be blamed in another. 

Now, this is a safe rule, the true method for 



254 



THE SECOND BOOK. 



every faithful soul, of all states or conditions : To 
love solitude in such a manner, that, after having 
duly performed whatsoever thy duties or employ- 
ments demand, thou retire with Me from the crowd, 
and collect thyself near Me, until the divine Will 
calls thee away. 

If thou withdraw thyself from unnecessary com- 
pany, useless conversation, the idle rumors of the 
world ; in short, from all matters which do cot 
concern thee, thou shalt have sufficient time, to 
deal with Me in solitude. 

But when, from the intercourse of men, thou re- 
tirest into solitude, do not simply leave men, and 
yet carry thy cares with thee. 

For there are those, who are no less distracted 
and dissipated in solitude, than they were in the 
company of men, and amid their occupations ; be- 
cause they give free scope to the vagaries of the 
imagination, to the inquisitiveness of the under- 
standing, and the fretfulness of the will. 

It is necessary, first of all, to arrange thy free 
time in an orderly manner, so that, to a settled 
time, be assigned a fixed employment, lest, over- 
come by disgust, thou wander about, or waste time 
in discussing, how thou shouldst spend it. 

Order, in all things, is of the greatest advantage : 
it drives away idleness and dullness of spirit ; it 
prevents many temptations and difficulties ; it 
affords an opportunity of doing well, and with ease, 
many things ; lastly, it makes thee live for Me. 



CHAPTER XIV. 



255 



5. He that is alone with Me in the sight of 
Angels, either makes amends for the past, or 
strengthens himself in what is good : and, whilst 
reflecting on himself and his actions, he is taught 
many things. For it is not so much length of 
time, or multiplicity of matters, as the purity of 
prayer and meditation, which renders a man truly 
experienced. 

He that is collected within himself, away from 
the turmoil of the world, recovers his peace, if lost, 
or strengthens it, when preserved : he rejoices in 
the communication of graces of divers kinds ; he 
rightly arranges beforehand, that which he may 
afterward be able to perform with fruit and merit. 

Whence, My Child, does it come, except from 
"union with Me, that interior men, — even under the 
most trying circumstances, — continue so self-pos- 
sessed, that they are an object of admiration to the 
multitude ; and are so persevering, that they exe- 
cute, with the greatest fearlessness, whatsoever they 
have once resolved? 

How many defects shalt thou avoid, how many 
virtues shalt thou practice, if thou do but cherish 
solitude ! 

All the Disciples of My Heart have ever held as 
certain, that they were so much the nearer to My 
Heart, the farther they were with their heart re- 
moved from creatures. 

6. My Child, if thou art truly humble, thou wilt 
seek after solitude : for, as much as it is able, 



256 



THE SECOND BOOK. 



humility loves to be concealed, and dreads to be 
noticed. If thou art enkindled with a true md 
divine love, thou wilt seek after solitude : for the 
flame of love, exposed to every breath of the world, 
is easily extinguished, unless it be frequently fed 
in solitude. 

Or what is worse, charity, if always dissipated, 
becomes, by degrees, a disguised sensuality. 

Solitude, when adapted to each one's circum- 
stances, and properly kept, becomes sweeter little 
by little, and secures numberless advantages. 

For it is the safeguard of innocence, the dwelling 
of peace, the abode of the interior life, the school 
of holiness, the place of heavenly secrets, the chosen 
means of divine communication. 

If thou art desirous of enjoying these things, 
love sacred solitude : frequently will I invite thee, 
frequently will I lead thee into the same, that there 
I may speak to thy heart. 

7. Be not deterred from cherishing sacred soli- 
tude, — even should men occasionally censure thee, 
on account of thy love of retirement. Let talkers 
have their say : for thyself, attend thou to what is 
good. 

If thou desirest to suit thy life to the opinions 
of others, thou wilt have to assume as many dif- 
ferent shapes, as thou meetest men ; for there are 
as many opinions as there are minds. 

When the divine Will does not make known to 



CHAPTER JflV. 



257 



thee, that thou shouldst be with men, stay thou 
alone with Me. 

Thus the Saints, unless called forth by the divine 
Will, would have continued in solitude, even to 
their dying hour, unknown to men. 

Nevertheless, My Child, as often as by My Will, 
— in whatsoever manner it be made known, — thou 
art sent forth by Me, thou shouldst leave thy soli- 
tude with the same readiness and freedom of mind, 
with which thou didst enter it. 

At My bidding, leave thou as speedily as possi- 
ble, or rather exchange for the better, whatever 
useful occupation detains thee, — gladly accommo- 
dating thyself, without any sign of displeasure, to 
circumstances which present themselves. 

Do not bind thyself to any preconceived method, 
rather than to My divine Will ; do not, through a 
false exactness, and an ill-regulated strictness, ren- 
der piety hateful or unlovely. 

If thou hast learnt of My Heart a truly interior 
spirit, thou wilt safely follow a middle course, 
avoiding both extremes. 

Therefore, imitate not those dissipated persons, 
who, — thinking that the time spent in solitude is 
lost, or perceiving that things interior are distasteful 
to them, — do ever seek pretenses of pouring them- 
selves out upon outward objects, entangle them- 
selves with what does not concern them, frequently 
neglect what they out to perform, and do what they 
should omit. 
22 



258 



THE SECOND BOOK. 



Neither follow thou the footsteps of those, who, 
under cover of piety, neglect all things external, and, 
with all access shut off, so hide themselves in soli- 
tude, that neither the inviting of My Spirit, nor 
charity, nor obedience, is able to draw them thence : 
and who, if, at any time, necessity drives them out, 
or disturbs them, are indignant, sullen and fretful. 

For thyself, My Child, follow the divine Will : 
love to be with Me in solitude, according to My 
good pleasure : and, whenever it is My Will that 
thou shouldst be with creatures, love to be with 
them, for love of Me. 

8. The voice of the Disci/pie. — sacred solitude ! 
how great and how numberless the blessings where- 
with thou overflowest ! 

Didst thou understand all these things, my soul ? 
frequently, then, hasten away into solitude : thither 
go thou as much as thou canst : thither do thou 
often resort, away from all turmoil, were it only for 
a little while, — but more with the heart than with 
the body. 

There do thou breathe freely ; there refresh thy- 
self ; there advance in grace ; there, among the 
Angels, entertain thyself with thy Beloved. 

Beloved of my heart, most sweet Jesus ! give 
me, I beseech Thee, and nourish in me, the love 
of sacred solitude, wherein I may find Thee, wherein 
I may enjoy Thee, wherein I may be happy with 
Thee. 

Thy conversation, unlike that of men, has no 



CHAPTER XV. 



259 



bitterness; neither has Thy intercourse any irk- 
someness ; it is all spiritual joy, pure delight, di- 
vine sweetness. 



CHAPTER XV. 

OF THE DIVINE PRESENCE, WHEREIN WE ARE 
TAUGHT TO LIVE, BY THE EXAMPLE OF THE 
MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS, BAPTIZED. 

1. The voice of Jesus. — My Child, beginning 
about the age of thirty years, sent by the Will of 
My Father, I left Nazareth and came to the Jordan, 
to be baptized. 

And when I was baptized, coming forthwith out 
of the water, I betook Myself to prayer. But lo ! 
whilst I prayed, and the crowd of men were throng- 
ing around Me, the heavens were opened, and the 
Holy Spirit, under the form of a dove, came upon 
Me 5 and the voice of My Father was heard, say- 
ing : This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well 
pleased. 

What solemnity, My Child ! how glorious ! but 
not displayed for Me. This voice came not for 
Me, but for men, that they might acknowledge Me 
as their Saviour, and, believing in Me, hopitg in 
Me, loving Me, they might have life everlasting. 

I needed not this outward display for Myself; 
since, what was done visibly at My Baptism, I 
enjoyed unseen at all times. Everywhere and 



260 



THE SECOND BOOK. 



always, the Father and the Holy Spirit were with 
Me. 

My Heart possessed always every sufficiency in 
things internal : in these It rejoiced fully : in these 
It found supreme delight. 

My Heart united to the Godhead, by act and af- 
fection ever present to the same, lived as if ever 
absorbed therein. 

2. My Child, as much as thou canst, imitate this 
example of My Heart. Concerning which I have 
to tell thee many things — but agreeable and full 
of consolation. 

Exert thyself, My Child, that thou mayst ever 
enjoy the divine presence, that thou mayst every- 
where live before Me, thy Saviour — God. 

If thou lovest Me, thou wilt find thy delight in 
walking before Me, in enjoying My presence. 

Was it ever heard, or has it ever happened, that 
any one did not find his delight in the presence of 
him whom he loves ? 

Behold ! I am always and everywhere with thee, 
inasmuch as I am a divine Person, — nowhere do I 
lose sight of thee. 

Nay more, in My sight no creature is unseen. 
In every place My eyes behold both the good and 
the wicked, and look into the very heart of each 
of them. 

Who can hide himself from My sight? Whether 
he conceal himself in darkness, whether he hide in 
the loneliness of the wilderness, whether he bury 



CHAPTER XV. 



261 



himself in the depths of the earth or the sea, 
whether he go down even to hell, — everywhere My 
eyes are upon him. 

In such a manner, My Child, am I present to all 
and each one, that, with My all-powerful hand, I 
can reach every one, both to restrain or punish, to 
help or reward him. 

3. I am also with thee, not only with all the 
sweetness of My Divinity, but also with that of My 
Humanity, — in the sacred Tabernacle. 

Whithersoever, therefore, thou goest, whether to 
the right or to the left : wheresoever thou mayst 
be, whether in thy own country, or in the land of 
the stranger ; in every place, where the Most Holy 
Sacrament reposes, thou hast Me present, not only 
with My Divinity, but also My Soul and Body. 

There thou findest Me present with the same 
countenance, the same lips, the same ears, the same 
affections of the Heart, that once were the delight 
of My Disciples, — as they are even now that of the 
Angels and Saints in heaven. 

Understand, My Child, the whole mystery of 
love. Behold ! from out the sacred Tabernacle, I 
am with thee, in some manner, — wherever upon 
earth thou mayst be, — by the love of My Heart. 
In My Heart, I busy Myself about thee : with My 
love, I follow thee everywhere. 

4. How then, canst thou be forgetful of Me ? 
how not be taken up with love for Me ? how with 
mind and heart stray away from Me ? 



262 



THE SECOND BOOK. 



Then, My Child, dost thou truly walk before 
Me, when thy mind thinks actually or virtually on 
Me ; when, in like manner, thy heart is occupied 
with love of Me as present. 

Now, of this divine presence there are certain 
degrees, which interior souls arrange in their heart, 
and by which they come ever more closely to Me. 

The first is, when man, by virtue of actual atten- 
tion, or at least, of a virtual intention, lives so self- 
collected, that he does everything in a manner 
worthy of My sight, and, meanwhile, by repeated 
acts, turns himself to Me. 

In the next place, when, — with a heart cleansed 
from every ill-regulated affection, and dedicated to 
Me as a special sanctuary, — man attends faithfully, 
listening to what I speak within, aud is ever ready 
to answer to My whisperings. 

Lastly, when the interior soul, in some manner 
absorbed in Me, so lives for Me, that she is wont 
not to be mindful of herself, except in Me ; not to 
love herself, except in Me, — ever reposing in Me 
with a certain sweet and divine union, and enjoying 
My presence more perfectly, than the bird enjoys 
the air wherein he flies, or a healthy man the 
health that gives him vigor. 

This is the completing of divine union, which 
surpasses all understanding, to which pure souls, — 
that, by generous sacrifices, whether external or 
internal, have disposed themselves, with a perfect 



CHAPTER XV. 



263 



heart leaving all creatures, and even themselves, — 
with the aid of grace are wont to attain. 

5. My Child, the remembrance of My presence 
is the most efficacious means of avoiding sins. For 
who, if he calls to mind that he stands in the sight 
of God, could dare to offend Him, who, at the same 
instant, can hurl both body and soul into hell ? 

If, with thy own eyes, thou wcrt to behold Mo 
present to thee, in a sensible form, wouldst thou be 
willing, My Child, wouldst thou dare to commit sin 
in My very sight ? Wouldst thou not deport thy- 
self in a respectful manner? But, with the eyes 
of faith, thou sccst Me more clearly and more cer- 
tainly present, than if thou sawest Me with the eyes 
of the body. 

Remember and love Me who am present to thee, 
and thou shalt not sin forever. What is it that 
renders sinless the inhabitants of heaven ? Is it 
not the Vision and the love of the Godhead, and 
that which arises thence ? 

When, by faith, thy mind beholds thy God, when 
thy heart loves Him, thou wilt not offend so great 
a Majesty. Although, by nature, thou art weak 
and liable to fall ; yet, this divine Vision will not 
allow thee to be deceived, nor will this love saffer 
thee to fall. For whoever abides therein, sins not. 

Wherefore, My Child, so long as, by faith and 
love, thou walkest before Me, thou shalt be sinless; 
not indeed, by thy nature, but by My presence. 

Whenever thou didst sin, surely, whilst resolving 



264 



THE SECOND BOOK. 



to sin, thou sawest Me not by faith, neither knevrest 
thou Me by love. For, whosoever sins, neither 
sees, nor knows his God. 

6. What is there more delightful than My pre- 
sence ? what more pleasant? what more useful fur 
everything? Is it not an enduring Paradise ? whom 
the Angels and Saints gaze upon, face to face, whom 
they truly possess in heaven, the same thou be- 
holdest upon earth by faith, the same thou enjoyest 
by love, — whilst thou growest all the while in 
merits. 

Without the practice of the divine presence, soli- 
tude is wont to be dangerous, the intercourse of 
men hurtful. But, by the use of it, both are helped 
and made holy. 

Thou shalt scarcely find any one practice of 
piety, which contains such a number, such a var- 
iety, and such a frequency of acts of virtue, as this 
holy exercise of the divine presence. 

Be of good cheer, then, My Child : endeavor, 
piously and diligently, to acquire the habit of living 
in My presence. When once acquired, it will serve 
thee as a protection amid dangers, as a light in 
darkness, as a comfort in solitude, as a safe-guard 
in the world, — everywhere as a constant practice 
of virtues, everywhere as a divine fellowship. 

7. The voice of the Disciple. — But, good Master, 
most sweet Jesus, in what manner, pray, shall I 
acquire this sacred habit? 

The voice of Jesus. — Before everything else, My 



CHAPTER XV. 



265 



Child, thou must often pray, earnestly beg for 
grace; whereby thou mayst be excited to call to 
mind, with a lively faith and a confiding love, the 
divine presence. 

The senses, also, are to be kept under strict 
discipline; and the inordinate desire of perceiving 
external things is to be mortified. 

Then, the internal faculties are to be guarded : 
not only wicked, but also useless thoughts, are to 
be kept from the mind, vain and idle occupations 
from the heart. 

Afterwards, thou shouldst endeavor, to turn thy- 
self frequently to Me, by short and fervent aspira- 
tions ; which will be all the more profitable to 
thee, in proportion as they are more adapted to the 
state and circumstances of thy soul. 

Finally, My Child, in all things seen, thou 
oughtest to seek Me, the unseen, the Beloved of thy 
heart. 

Do not the very creatures, which surround thee 
on every side, warn thee of My presence ? Lift up 
thy eyes and behold how all things, each after its 
own manner, proclaim that I am present. 

Do not the serenity of the sky and the very storm 
proclaim it ? do not the fruits and flowers ? Do 
not consolations, and afflictions ? Do not virtues, 
and the fountains of grace ? 

My Child, if thou art an interior Disciple of My 
Heart, all things, that present themselves before 
23 



266 THE SECOND BOOK. 

thee, will help thee to be mindful of Me, and to 
love Me present everywhere. 

Everywhere thou shalt find Me ; and thou shalt 
pass over all even unto Me, in whom alone thou 
shalt find joy and repose. 

8. The voice of the Disci-pie. — Lord, God in- 
visible beholding all things, incomprehensible and 
present everywhere, whither shall I flee from Thy 
face ? 

Behold ! if I go up into heaven. Thou art there : 
if I go down into hell, Thou art present. If I take 
wings at the dawn, and dwell in the uttermost parts 
of the sea, there also Thy hands will guide and 
hold me. 

Darkness has no gloom before Thee : night is to 
Thee as the day. Everywhere am I in Thy sight ; 
within and without am I unvailed before Thy eyes. 

9. Lo then, Thou art ever present to me. How 
sweet a thought ! how great a consolation ! what 
reasons for confidence ! how great an incitement to 
love ! 

But yet, whithersoever I turn, Thy creatures 
awaken my faith, warn me of Thy presence, of Thy 
power, of Thy love, of Thy loveliness. If the 
shadow of the object is so pleasant, so fair, so good, 
what must be the object itself? 

Behold ! this creature is pleasing, that other 
strong ; this one is fair, that one good : but incom- 
parably more pleasing, and, at the same time, 



CHAPTER XVI. 



267 



stronger, fairer, sweeter, and everyway better art 
Thou, Beloved, whom my soul loves ! 

Jesus, My Saviour God, delightful Paradise 
of my heart ! grant, I beseech Thee, that always 
and everywhere I be mindful of Thee, that I love 
Thee always and everywhere present. 

Make my heart a pure and holy dwelling, wherein 
I may find Thee, possess Thee, enjoy Thee, for the 
sanctification of my soul, and the ever-enduring 
glory of Thy heart. 



CHAPTER XVI. 

THAT THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS, TEMPTED 
IN THE DESERT, TEACHES US EVER TO PRESERVE 
PEACE OF HEART. 

1. The voice of Jesus. — My Child, when I went 
away from the Jordan, I was led by the Spirit into 
the desert. Behold a sight, which filled the An- 
gels themselves with admiration. 

For, removed from human society, dwelling 
among the wild beasts of the wilderness, I passed 
My days and nights in fasting and austerity, ex- 
posed to all the changes of the weather. 

My Heart persevered in divine communings with 
My heavenly Father, in sublime contemplation, in 
ceaseless prayer. 



268 



THE SECOND BOOK. 



Meanwhile, forgotten, or even insulted by the 
world, I was assailed by Satan in wonderful ways : 
yea, I was even seized by him, carried elsewhere, 
and variously and exceedingly tempted. 

What impelled Me to undergo these things, if 
not the love of My Heart, that I might console 
thee My Child, and teach thee by My example ? 

Taught and encouraged by this, thou needest not 
wonder, if, in thy condition of life, thou art tempted 
by the demon, or annoyed by the world : neither 
shouldst thou, on account of human events, or the 
devil's assaults, lose thy peace of heart. 

Naught of all this world could disturb or dis- 
quiet My Heart : but, ever tranquil and at rest, 
with a firm Will turning Itself away from the ob- 
jects cast before It, It went on in peace. 

2. My Child, do thou with all diligence aspire 
to this holy peace, and follow it up with all care. 

Blessed is the good soul, that keeps herself in 
true peace ! In such a one I abide as in My own 
kingdom : in her heart I find My delight as on a 
throne. 

My Heart loves to communicate Itself to a tran- 
quil heart ; because there Its Inspirations are heard, 
are fostered, and bring forth fruit. 

If thou desirest to commit the fewest faults pos- 
sible, if thou desirest to derive profit from thy very 
faults, if thou desirest to practice virtues, in a proper 
manner, keep thy peace of heart. 

If thou wishest usefully to resist the temptations 



CHAPTER XVI 



269 



of the devil, and to bring to naught the wicked at- 
tempts of hell, be in peace, and continue therein. 

3. The enemy, — knowing that he can do little 
against a soul, so long as she keeps herself in this 
holy peace, — strives in every way to trouble her. 

For this purpose, he sets sometimes every power 
in motion, and stirs it up : he excites the imagina- 
tion, he calls out the passions, he suggests many 
things contrary, now to this virtue, then to that ; 
at one time he assails by flattery, at another by 
fright ; sometimes he persists stubbornly. 

If things of this kind befall thee, My Child, be 
not uneasy, do not lose thy peace. So long as thou 
continuest in a holy peace, all is safe : but if thou 
beginnestto be troubled, thou beginnest also to be in 
danger : and although, by divine grace, thou with- 
holdest thyself from a willful consent, yet the enemy 
has gained enough to be satisfied for the present. 

He does not think that he can overthrow thee in 
the first assault, but that, by degrees, if he be able 
to disturb thy heart, he may worry thee, weaken 
thee, and so at last destroy thee. 

Beware, therefore, that thou be not disturbed, by 
whatsoever temptation, or for how long soever a 
time, thou mayst be assailed. 

4. My Child, let not thy heart be troubled, what- 
ever may happen. The peace of the heart is not 
to be lost for aught of this world. 

Although thou mayst have rendered thyself 
guilty of some defect or sin, even then be thou not 



270 



THE SECOND BOOK. 



disturbed in heart. For, if thou troublest thyself 
after committing a fault, dost thou thereby afford 
any remedy to the evil ? On the contrary, thou 
committest a fault more dangerous than the first. 

Wherefore^ after an offense has been unhappily 
committed, be not annoyed by troubles, nor lose 
thou courage : but, by an act of humble love, throw 
thyself with a contrite heart upon My Heart, that 
thy fault may be consumed by this divine fire, and 
thy heart be made clean. 

Above all, My Child, a firm and unruffled peace 
of heart is necessary, when, for the greater glory 
of My Heart, and thy own greater good, thou art 
suffered to be oppressed by inward desolateness ; 
whereby the understanding is wrapped in darkness, 
and the will feels itself pushed on to evil, so that 
sometimes thou seemest abandoned to thyself alone, 
and to a stubborn enemy. 

If in that state thou givest thyself up to mental 
perturbation, thou wilt render vain the intention 
of My Heart, and run great risk — not only of de- 
priving thyself of the proffered treasure of merits, 
and a sublime degree of holiness, — but also of going 
astray, and of falling. 

But if, with a quiet and undaunted heart, thou 
goest obediently onward, whithersoever My Spirit 
may lead thee ; and instead and despite of thy own 
feeling, thou followest His guidance, thou shalt 
pass through the ordeal unhurt, and ccme out of 
it more perfect. 



CHAPTER XVI. 



271 



5. In exterior things also, much will occur to 
move and trouble thy heart, unless it be well es- 
tablished in peace. 

It will happen, that thou findest men unfaithful, 
nay more, at times, opposed to thee, — even those 
that are bound to thee by the obligation of grati- 
tude, friendship, station or office. 

If thy peace rests upon the dispositions or doings 
of mortals, or depends thereon, it will be exposed 
to sad vicissitudes. 

Many judge accordingly as their heart is affected : 
therefore, it is to be expected, that they will not 
rarely think ill of thee, will find fault with thy 
doings, will condemn thy eager pursuit of an in- 
terior life ; in short, will try thy virtue in various 
ways. 

When these things happen, My Child, suffer not 
thy heart to be troubled : but remain in peace, and 
allow everything to pass, precisely as thou allowest 
the clouds to pass over thy head. 

And truly, of what avail would it be to thee, to 
be troubled by these matters ? Shouldst thou not 
add a burden, and reap bitterness as the fruit of 
thy toil ? 

Accustom thyself, to bear patiently things ad- 
verse, to hear in silence what is unpleasar t, to be 
quiet among the boisterous, to remain tranquil 
whilst the world is blustering. 

t>. The voice of the Disciple. — But, Lord Jesus, 
how hard it seems in practice, when temptations 



272 



THE SECOND BOOK. 



annoy rne inwardly, whilst I long to serve Thee 
faithfully ; or when the torments of adverse circum- 
stances and men assail me, whilst I mean well ; not 
to feel them, not to be troubled by them ! Verily, 
Lord, this seems impossible to me. 

The voice of Jesus. — My Child, it is no evil to 
feel things which are burthensome, or capable of 
disturbing the heart : thou must needs feel them, 
to be able to resist them. 

It is certainly impossible not to feel them, how 
pious soever thou maystbe. For piety does neither 
destroy nor blunt the powers of the soul ; but, on 
the contrary, it renders them more pure and perfect. 

Neither is it possible that the inferior part of 
the heart be not sometimes affected thereby. But 
these emotions, unless they be consented to by the 
superior part, can by no means harm thee : nay 
more, they may be useful to establish thy peace the 
more solidly ; since, the more victories thou gainest 
over the inferior part, the more subject and tran- 
quil thou wilt keep it, and the greater safety thou 
wilt enjoy. 

But yet, it is ever in thy power to preserve thy- 
self in peace. For, — since thou possessest free- 
will, and receivest ever a sufficient grace, — neither 
the malice of hell, nor the wickedness of men, nor 
any adversity can disturb thy heart, unless itself be 
willing. 

It depends, therefore, on thyself alone, My Child, 
ever to possess this good, which is so great, that, 



CHAPTER XVI. 



273 



next to the state of grace, it is the greatest good 
of this life, 

7. The voice of (he Disciple. — Yea, Lord Jesus, 
so it is assuredly. Teach me, then, I beseech Thee, 
the way of holy peace, which Thou didst show me 
to be so useful and necessary for all things. 

The voice of Jesus. — My Child, many there are 
who say much about the means of obtaining and 
preserving peace ; but I say : learn ye of Me, be- 
cause I am meek and humble of Heart, and ye shall 
find rest, — the perfection of peace. 

First then, a virtuous heart alone, — which, living 
in grace, strives to imitate the virtues of My Heart, 
— can possess true peace ; because there is no 
peace for the wicked. 

Again, a humble heart, which is satisfied with 
holding an inferior place among men, and which, 
distrustful of self, bas, in every difficulty, recourse 
to Me, — can alone preserve an undisturbed peace. 

Finally, a heart enlivened by charity, which is 
united, or at least resigned, to the divine Will, can 
alone enjoy, without interruption, the sweetness of 
holy peace, and persevere securely therein. 

If thou art perfectly imbued with the sentiments 
of My Heart, so that, for love of a more complete 
resemblance to Me, and a proof of a more dninter- 
ested love, thou choosest, according to the divine 
good pleasure, to suffer with Me in this world : 
then, My Child, wilt thou overflow with the 
plenty of a most delightful peace, enjoy a continued 



274 THE SECOND BOOK. 

tranquillity, in spite of all the changes of sensible 
things; and thou wilt be ever jubilant with a 
cheerful heart ; because the very source, whence 
the heart is wont to be troubled, shall strengthen it 
in thee. 

Behold, My Child, the way to true peace, which 
leads up by degrees even to perfection. Blessed 
are they that walk therein. Outside of it can be 
found no real, no solid, no lasting peace. 

If thou possessest not a virtuous heart, resigned 
to the divine "Will by humility and love, do what- 
soever thou wilt, go whithersoever thou choosest, 
nowhere shalt thou find the happiness of peace. 

When the heart is not well-disposed within, 
neither the shunning of occasions, nor the change 
of places, nor the loneliness of living, nor spiritual 
books, nor, in fine, the counseling of men can give 
true peace. 

8. Remember, My Child, that the causes of in- 
ward trouble, do not lie in objects outside of thee ; 
but within thee, in the ill-ordered dispositions of 
the heart. Whenever thou dost no longer allow 
these causes to exist within thyself, outward objects 
will cease to be an occasion of trouble. 

Now, there are as many causes that can make 
thee lose thy peace, as there are ill-regulated affec- 
tions of the heart. And not only do the affections 
for evil or vain things belong to this class, but also 
those for good and holy objects, if indulged in con- 
trary to the divine good pleasure. 



CHAPTER XVI. 



275 



Wherefore, so soon as thou detectest aught inor- 
dinate within thyself, thou shouldst persist in the 
use of prayer, special self-examination, and other 
fit remedies, that thou mayst, quietly and effec- 
tually, cast it out of thy heart. 

How many, even virtuous souls, there are, that 
anxiously seek after peace, — using for this purpose 
various means, and these no bad ones, — and yet 
find only greater uneasiness ; because they proceed 
in an unorderly manner, longing too much or too 
eagerly for the end of the trouble which they feel, 
or for the obtaining of rest, after which they sigh ; 
or because they annoy themselves in the use of the 
means, or desire to experience a sensible peace ! 

Seek thou peace in a peaceful manner ; and, as 
it is to be found in the superior part of the heart, 
— where the rational will presides, under faith and 
grace, — possess and preserve it there. 

Thus, My Child, thou shalt be able to enjoy con- 
stantly a holy peace, My peace, which is the privi- 
lege of every true Disciple of My Heart, the 
seasoning of prosperity, the soother of adversity, 
the chief of all blessings ; in short, the sweet and 
necessary means of perfection and holiness. 

9. The voice of the Disciple. — Jesus, God of 
peace, and Father of all consolation ! Oh ! how I 
desire, how I long for peace, Thy peace, so sweet 
and holy ! 

Let others, who wish for them, possess the other 
good things of life ; to me, I beseech Thee, give 



276 



THE SECOND BOOK. 



Thou peace, for me the greatest good of this life> 
embracing a]l I desire. 

Grant me kindly, to make a proper use of the 
means appointed, that thus I may become a true Dis- 
ciple of Thy Heart, — ever peaceful in meekness and 
humbleness of heart. 

Prince of peace, most sweet Jesus! Whose 
delight it is to reign in a pure and quiet heart; so 
establish Thy kingdom in my heart, that it be never 
disturbed, but constantly strengthened more and 
more, until Thou admittest me to rule with Thee 
in heavenly bliss, where, with the Angels and Saints, 
Thou reignest in peace everlasting. 



CHAPTER XVII. 

THAT THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS, ENTER- 
ING UPON HIS PUBLIC LIFE, TEACHES US ZEAL 
FOR SOULS. 

1. The voice of Jesus. — My Child, God sent His 
Son into the world, that the world may be saved by 
Him. 

Do not then wonder, if zeal for souls was ever 
pressing and incessantly urging on My Heart, that 
It might spread the kingdom of divine love over 
the hearts of men, by every means which My heav- 
enly Father had placed at Its disposal. 



CHAPTER XVii. 



277 



Hitherto I had remained hidden in solitude, as it 
were to prepare Myself for the work, and to teach 
all the Disciples of My Heart, that they must first 
have an ardent zeal for themselves, before they can 
profitably exhibit zeal for their neighbor. 

Behold ! whilst I was sanctifying Myself for the 
salvation of souls, how often, and with how great 
a fervor of Heart, was I wont to pray for them, that 
they might live for the Lord their God, do no evil, 
and make progress in virtue ! 

I also associated with Me, Disciples and Apos- 
tles, whom, filled with the Spirit of My zeal, I 
cheered on ; to whom I communicated My inten- 
tions; upon whom I looked rejoiced in Heart, be- 
cause they applied themselves strenuously to the 
salvation of souls. 

I went around, teaching, and speaking of the 
kingdom of Grod, — seizing every opportunity, in 
private and in public, to induce men to do better. 

The example of My life shone forth, like a light 
that had risen for a people seated in darkness. For 
I went about doing good to all, and manifesting to 
every one the humility and charity of My Heart. 

How greatly they were edified and moved, when 
they beheld Me toiling all day for their advantage 
and salvation ; and, in the mean time, frequently 
withdrawing from the multitude, that, for a little 
while, I might pray alone ! When they learned 
that, after the labors and journeys of the day, — 
whilst My wearied Apostles refreshed themselves 



278 



THE SECOND BOOK. 



by nightly slumbers, — I Myself was wont to spend 
the night in prayer ! 

Finally, since all power in heaven and on earth 
had been given to Me, I employed the same for the 
exercise of the zeal of My Heart, for the divine 
glory, for the gaining of souls ; and I wrought as 
many miracles, as were necessary and proper for 
the salvation of all. 

Behold, My Child, the means which the zeal of 
My Heart employed to win souls. Are not the 
same means at thy disposal, in whatever state of 
life thou mayst be ? use them, therefore, earnestly 
for My glory, and the salvation of souls. 

2. Do thou frequently pray ; and, in the spirit 
of prayer, offer some mortifications, — little and light 
though they be, — some works of piety and mercy, 
thy spiritual exercises, and even thy ordinary occu- 
pations for this, that My straying children, — who 
are miserably pining away in the far-off country, 
either of infidelity, heresy, or sin, — making, at last, 
a better use of their freedom, may rejoice My Heart 
by their happy return ; moreover, that the good 
may advance in virtue, may strive after better gifts, 
and continue to aspire to perfection. 

0, if thou didst know how powerful prayer is for 
the salvation of souls ! Hew many interior persons 
there are, and they too secluded from intercourse 
with the world, who, individually, by prayer alone, 
have snatched thousands of souls from infidelity, 
heresy or sin, and raised them to bliss everlasting I 



CHAPTER XVII. 



279 



Understand, then, My Child, what thou mayst effect 
by prayer. 

Try to inspire some persons with zeal ; they thus 
become thy disciples and apostles, whom thou send- 
est in quest of souls. 

Thus thou wilt perform many things, not by thy- 
self alone, but also through others ; who, in turn, 
will animate and send others ; and, in this manner, 
transmit them from generation to generation. 

Be eager to speak frequently on subjects that 
breathe piety ; which promote edification, and ren- 
der virtue attractive. How many are there now in 
heaven, who owe the occasion of their everlasting 
felicity to some pious conversation? 

It is, indeed, true, My Child, that thou shouldst 
not be importunate ; so as to deter thy neighbor 
from virtue, rather than draw him to it; but a gen- 
uine and fervent zeal knows how to employ a holy 
dexterity, to produce and employ fit opportunities 
of conversing on subjects of piety. 

Wonderfully effective is good example. It gives 
life and power to all other outward means. Take 
this away, and what can all the rest effect ? It may 
cause a noise to the senses, it cannot move the 
heart. 

By the example of thy life, therefore, do thou 
show forth the incomparable delights of My love ; 
prove to thy neighbor, that he, who lovingly serves 
Me, is, even in this world, most happy. Thus thou 
ehalt, in some manner, force thy neighbor to taste 



280 



THE SECOND BOOK. 



and experience how pleasant is the service of My 
Heart, — the service of My love. 

If thou canst not work miracles, so as to suspend 
the laws of the universe, thou canst, by co-operat- 
ing with divine grace, perform wonders. Why ? is it 
not wonderful, nay prodigious, that, for pure love of 
Me, thou overlookest thy own interest, that thou 
mayst have a care of that of others? thou returnest 
good for evil ? esteemest thyself blissful with Me, 
in the midst of humiliations ? 

These and the like prodigies of grace, My Child, 
have sometimes moved hearts, that had resisted all 
other means, and induced them to pursue a better 
course. 

3. In every place, and at all times, My Child, be 
thou full of zeal for souls ; so that whosoever ap- 
proaches thee, may feel an incentive to virtue or 
perfection. 

Do not believe that thou art a true Disciple of 
My Heart, if thou hast no zeal, no efficacious will 
for the salvation and perfection of souls. But if 
thou art desirous of proving in deed, that thou 
really lovest and followest My Heart, foster an ar- 
dent .zeal. 

What canst thou do more pleasing to My Heart, 
than to labor at the salvation and perfection of 
souls, — created to love and glorify Me for ever- 
more ? 

If thou sendest only one soul to heaven, thou 
givest Me more glory, than all men together, on 



CHAPTER XVn. 



281 



earth, have ever given Me, or can ever procure for 
Me. For, whatever glory mortals, on earth, give 
Me, is limited by the number of acts, which are at 
last finished : but the glory which a blessed soul, 
in heaven, gives Me, — since it is ever-enduring, — 
is equivalent to a number of acts to which there 
shall be no end forever. 

Consider, My Child, how greatly I valued the 
salvation of souls, since for this object I came down 
from heaven ; sought it through incessant and ar- 
duous labors and hardships ; and, lastly, sacrificed 
My very life for the same. 

Oh, if thou didst know the worth of a soul, with 
how great a zeal for her salvation wouldst thou 
be inflamed ! Learn what she is worth, by the 
price at which I ransomed her. 

Save a soul, and behold ! thou shalt have per- 
formed a deed incomparably more precious, than 
if thou hadst gained this whole world, with all its 
possessions. 

My Child, if thou savest the soul of thy neigh- 
bor, thou freest thy own : for he that shall cause a 
sinner to turn from the error of his way, shall save 
his own soul from death, and cover a multitude of 
sins. 

How great a joy shall it be to thee, My Child, 
after this life, to behold in heaven the Elect, who, 
after grace, owe to thee, — some their heavenly 
bliss, others the hight of their sanctity, and a cor- 
24 



282 



THE SECOND BOOK. 



responding everlasting glory ; and who will repay 
thee with a thousand thanksgivings forever ! 

Verily, to help in the salvation and perfection 
of souls, is not only the most excellent of all things 
human, but even the most godlike of all things 
divine. 

4. Pray frequently, that thy heart may be en- 
dowed with a true zeal, — one which humility sup- 
ports, charity stimulates, science shapes, discretion 
guides and perseverance strengthens. 

Take heed, lest thou suffer thyself to be ani- 
mated with a zeal which springs, not from grace 
in a meek and humble heart, but from nature, un- 
der the influence of some passion. He that is led 
by this zeal, whilst he endeavors to root out sins, 
multiplies them ; aud whilst he burns to make 
others better in deed, renders them worse in heart. 

Strive, as much as thou morally canst, every- 
where to correct what is evil, and to promote what 
is good. But, whilst thou art doing what is in thy 
power, endure patiently whatsoever thou art un- 
able to correct or improve, — intrusting all things 
to My divine Providence, and praying that all may, 
at last, serve for My greater glory. 

My Child, if the work of thy zeal do not succeed 
at the first attempt, try again and again. It hap- 
pens, that men, — listening secretly to the evil spirit, 
or lulled to sleep by lukewarmness, — at first, 
scarcely hearken to what is better: but that. after- 
ward, — when the good Spirit, by means of interior 



CHAPTER XVII. 



283 



remorse, repeats what they have heard, and ex- 
horts them from within, — the zeal of the zealous 
laborer urging them on, and grace moving them, 
they turn and surrender. 

So long as I await, so long as I endure a mortal, 
thou shouldst by no means despair of him, If he 
is an unbeliever now, how knowest thou, whether 
he will not soon be a believer? If he is a heretic 
at present, whence knowest thou, that he will not 
soon follow Catholic truth ? If a schismatic to-day, 
he may be united to the Church to-morrow. 

Paul was in the morning a persecutor of the 
Church ; in the evening he was a Vessel of election f 
Magdalen was a sinner in the city on one day ; on 
the following she was a model of every virtue, — a 
Seraph-like lover of My Heart. 

How many there are, who, seemingly lost be- 
yond all hope, in their errors or sins, were yet con- 
verted, and found the happy life of grace in this 
world, and the blissful life of glory in the next? 
Has, then, the power of grace grown less ? has 
man's free-will become extinct? 

5. If, in spite of thy endeavors, men be unwil- 
ling to be converted ; do not lose thy peace of 
heart. 

Imitate the holy Guardian Angels, who, after 
having done whatever they should and could have 
done, — if the men committed to their charge do 
not repent nor improve, — remain equally peaceful, 
equally blissful. 



284 



THE SECOND BOOK. 



If there be any who do not avail themselves of 
the efforts of thy zeal for the good of their souls, 
these endeavors shall not be less rewarded; since, 
with Me, an efficacious will is reputed equal to suc- 
cess. 

It is thy duty to water the plants of grace — not 
to give them increase. Water them, therefore, and 
labor cheerfully, and, whether or not thou seest 
an increase, thou shalt never toil without profit to 
thyself, and honor to Me. 

6. Meanwhile, My Child, thou must take heed, 
lest, whilst thou art laboring to save others, or to 
make them perfect, thou suffer thyself to become a 
castaway or a disregarder of thy own perfection. 

In thy heart believe that they, to whose spiritual 
good thou appliest thyself, are already better than 
thyself, or that they shall be so some day : and how 
much good soever thou effectest in souls, deem thy- 
self no more than a cymbal, which, without an- 
other's aid, cannot give forth a sound. 

The more disinterestedly thou shalt have Me for 
thy aim, and the more humbly thou shalt think 
concerning thyself; the more fit shalt thou be to 
promote the salvation and perfection of souls. 

For I select weak instruments of this kind, — 
weak in their own eyes, — to perform My own great 
works ; that no one may glory in his strength, but 
that to Me may be given all the honor and glory. 

7. The voice of the Disciple. — It is not, then, 
enough, Lord Jesus, that I alone love Thee : it is 



CHAPTER XVII. 



285 



necessary that others also love Thee ; that all serve 
Thee. For Thou art supremely, Thou art for every 
reason, worthy of the love of all hearts. 

Jesus! if men knew Thee, would they ever 
offend Thee ? Would they not love Thee with 
their whole heart? 

How sweet a labor, to win hearts to Thee ! how 
angelic an employment ! how godlike a work ! 

Who will grant me, to travel over the whole 
earth, to captivate all hearts, to enkindle them with 
love for Thee ! 

Oh would, most sweet Jesus, that I held posses- 
sion of all hearts, that I might devote them all to 
Thee, consecrate them to Thy love! 

Receive, I beseech Thee, the desire of my heart, 
whereby I long to be able to secure for Thee, upon 
earth, as great a love from all men, as Thy Angels 
and Saints show Thee in heaven. 

Let me become, I entreat Thee, the apostle of 
Thy Heart, that I may spread Thy love everywhere; 
that, with a ready and generous heart, I may spend 
my labor, my pains, my every means, and, over and 
above, spend myself, for souls that may love and 
glorify Thee through all eternity. 



286 



THE SECOND BOOK. 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

THAT THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS, PRI SENT 
AT THE MARRIAGE -FEAST IN CANA, TEACHES TS 
SPIRITUAL JOYFULNESS. 

1. The voice of Jesus. — My Child, as I came foi 
the salvation of all, I became all to all, that I might 
gain all. 

Light is pleasing to all, a source of gladness, 
diffusing heat and life. Such was I, the Light of 
the world : such was My life, which manifested the 
joy, the love, the cheerfulness of My Heart. 

Search carefully all things, My Child, nowhere 
shalt thou find Me surly ; nowhere shunning, or 
driving away the people through moroseness : but, 
everywhere cheerful, gladsomely dealing with men 
according to the divine good pleasure — animating 
and sanctifying all things with My Spirit. 

Nay rather, behold ! when invited, I refused not 
to be present at the Marriage-feast, together with 
My Mother and My Disciples; and there to rejoice 
in a holy manner, availing Myself of every oppor- 
tunity to gain souls, and to teach virtue and true 
gladness of heart. 

By this example of My Heart, the Saints were 
taught to entertain a spiritual joyful ness ; and 
thereby to edify their neighbor, and to serve Me 
with a cheerful heart. 

They knew that I am a kind Father, that I love 



CHAPTER XVIII. 



2S7 



that My children live with their heart expanded, — 
content and happy in the partaking of My blessings. 

Ponder these things. My Child : imitate them, 
that My joy may be within thee. 

2. Behold what this spiritual joyfulness does and 
accomplishes ! What is there that gives Me here 
greater honor, than to serve Me with a cheerful 
heart : to prove, in this manuer, to the whole world, 
that My service is full of sweetness and felicity ? 

Moreover, the gladness of My Heart adorns vir- 
tue, smooths difficulties, softens hardships, brightens 
the understanding, enlivens the will ; in short, 
makes the whole man well-disposed to everything. 

Without joyfulness of heart, all external good 
things contribute little to happiness ; the powers 
of the soul are inactive, the body itself languishes, 
man is wretched — even in the midst of prosperity. 

By the practice of spiritual joyfulness, thou wilt 
render thyself dear to Me, who love him that gives 
cheerfully ; useful to thy neighbor, who will be 
pleasantly stimulated to that which is good : lastly, 
beneficial to thy own self, who, by this practice 
alone, wilt perform several acts of virtue. 

What more ? Behold ! who is the man, that 
desires life, who loves to see good days ? Cheer- 
fulness of heart, this is the life of man ; and good 
days, the best of days, which are passed in Gad's 
grace, which is like a Paradise amid blessings. 

Now, spiritual joyfulness is a most certain mark 
of the state of grace. 



288 



THE SECOND BOOK. 



The joyfulness of the just, therefore, is present 
felicity, and a presage of everlasting bliss. 

3. What is spiritual joyfulness, except the good 
disposition of the soul, — showing that for My sake, 
she is truly satisfied ? 

It is not, therefore, founded on nature, but on 
grace : it does not depend on the peculiarity of 
one's character, but on the disposition of the heart: 
it has for its object not sensual, but spiritual things. 

Worldly joyfulness is hurtful ; it leads to grief 
and bitter gnawings of the mind : natural joyfulness 
is inconstant, subject to frequent sadness : but 
spiritual joyfulness is steady and wholesome. 

A heart of good will, together with grace, pro- 
duces this holy joyfulness ; fervent piety gives it 
expansion ; victory over one's natural inclinations 
makes it solid. 

4. The devil, — who loves depression of spirits, — 
knowing how powerfully spiritual cheerfulness acts 
against him, — seeks to assail it by every means, to 
destroy it by false reasonings, or to diminish it by 
vain subtleties. 

Be on thy guard, My Child, lest thou be caught 
by him. If thou yieldest to this promoter of sad- 
ness, he will not be satisfied with depriving thee of 
the blessings of holy joyfulness, but, seeing thee 
disposed according to his wishes, he will attack and 
tempt thee in the most dangerous manner. 

Whatsoever may be suggested, whatsoever may 
befall thee, give no admittance to gloominess, which 



CHAPTER XVIII. 



289 



depresses the heart. This direful evil dries up the 
very bones, stupefies reason itself. Wherever it 
reigns, understanding disappears : yea, wherever 
sadness of heart prevails, every misfortune is 
found. 

It may come to pass occasionally, My Child, 
that, without knowing from what cause it proceeds, 
thou feelest thyself inclined to a certain irksome 
sadness. When this happens, do thou pray again 
and again, stir up thy fervor, and employ other 
suitable means, that thou mayst preserve thy glad- 
ness of heart. 

5. Often also, contrary or adverse circumstances 
will present themselves, which will naturally pro- 
duce their effect upon thee, These, by allowing 
thyself to be grieved in heart, thou wilt render 
more burdensome : on the other hand, by pre- 
serving a joyful heart, thou wilt make them light. 
Turn these things, therefore, in the best way thou 
canst, to the everlasting good of thy soul ; and, 
with thy mind withdrawn from what is unpleasant, 
rejoice supernaturally over the greatness of thy 
gain. 

But the things, which are especially wont to 
hinder spiritual joyfulness in a virtuous soul, are 
the defects which she commits, and without which 
she knows full well that she cannot live. Behold 
here a delusion : behold the deceit of the enemy, 
whereby he is accustomed to do very great harm to 
the inexperienced. 
25 



290 



THE SECOND BOOK. 



It depends on thee alone, My Child, to make 
these defects, — after they have been committed, — 
subservient to thy profit, and, consequently, to the 
joyfulness of thy heart. For it is a source of 
great advantage, nay, of great merit, on the one 
hand, forthwith to repent, through love for Me, of 
the faults committed ; and, on the other, to rejoice 
in the humiliations which follow these faults, be- 
cause My honor is thereby repaired. 

Finally; My Child, whatever obstacles thou mayst 
find in thy way, leave nothing that is right untried, 
to guard against this baneful gloominess. Beware, 
however, lest, whilst shunning sadness, thou run 
into it by the other extreme. Wherefore, to avoid 
it, do not give thyself up to dissipation, to the ne- 
glect of thy spiritual exercises, to the pursuit of 
sensual delights. For, of the end of such a joy, 
mourning takes hold. 

6. My Child, after the possession of the state of 
grace, the chief of the means to enjoy spiritual 
gladness, and to preserve the same, is, to be meek 
and humble of heart, for love of Me. 

Be humble, and thou shalt never be cast down : 
love fervently, and thou shalt ever possess a joyful 
heart. 

If thou followest the propensity or the aversion 
of nature : if thou art lukewarm or careless in the 
things which concern My service, even shouldst 
thou have all the delights of earth, thou canst 
never taste, nor possess true joyfulness of heart. 



CHAPTER XVIII. 



291 



There are also outward things which contribute 
to the joy of the heart: holy endeavors to cultivate 
spiritual gladness, pious jubilations by hymns and 
canticles, intercourse with those who are spiritu- 
ally joyous, cheerfulness in action, resignation in 
suffering, a holy freedom in one's proceeding. 

Pray, My Child, and strive to make a right use 
of these means, and thus shalt thou enjoy true 
gladness, compared to which, all other delight is 
mere grief, — all other gayety, sadness, — all other 
sweetness, bitterness. 

This is My joy, wherein rejoice thou always: 
again I say, rejoice. 

7. The voice of the- Disciple. — Jesus ! whose 
Heart is the never-failing fountain of exquisite 
gladness, whence heaven draws as well as earth ; 
where, save in Thee, shall I find true joyfulness of 
heart ? 

most sweet Jesus ! who hast pity in cheerful- 
ness, have pity on me, Thy unworthy Child ; fill 
my heart with holy gladness. 

Without Thee, my soul is like a field without 
water, dry and wretched : Thou alone art true and 
efficacious refreshment. 

When Thy refreshing Spirit is not within me, dis- 
tasteful is all that creatures can offer : but when 
Thou cheerest up the heart, my soul leaps for joy; 
and, in her gladness, bears all things with ease, finds 
all savory, tastes sweetness even in what is bitter. 

Thus do Thou ever, I entreat Thee, gladden my 



292 



THE SECOND BOOK. 



soul. Grant me a humility so solid, that I be never 
dejected : so great a love for Thee, so great a fervor, 
that ever joyous I may live for Thee. 

O Jesus, Beloved of my soul, my whole and sole 
delight ! let me so serve Thee with a cheerful heart, 
that I may honor Thy service, edify my neighbor, 
sanctify myself, to the everlasting joy of Thy heart. 



CHAPTER XIX. 

THAT THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS, CON- 
VERSING WITH MEN, TEACHES US TO BEAR WITH 
THE DEFECTS OF OUR NEIGHBOR. 

1. The voice of Jesus. — My Child, so long as I 
was seen upon earth, and conversed with men, I 
was in the midst of a wicked generation. 

How much pride and infidelity, how much un- 
cleanness and iniquity, thinkest thou, did I be- 
hold, — I the Searcher of hearts, — in the hearts of 
men, to whom naught, save the world ; naught, ex- 
cept self-interest, was pleasing ! 

How was My Heart moved at the sight of men's 
sinful ignorance, unbridled licentiousness, forget- 
fulness of the things of heaven, anxiety for those 
of earth, neglect of virtue, the triumph of vice ! 

Compare Me, My Child, with such men : My hu- 
mility with their conceitedness and vanity : My zeal 



CHAPTER XIX. 



293 



with their indifference and obstinacy : My benefi- 
cence with their insensibility and ungratefulness : 
My charity with their listlessness and disregard : 
in short, all My virtues with their defects and 
vices ! 

Understand also, what disposition of Heart I dis- 
played before them. Behold ! whatsoever they 
were, I continued to live with them, to converse 
with them, to stay among them, — without complaint 
or indignation of Heart, — yea, to show myself con- 
tent. 

Tf thou meditatest rightly upon this pattern of 
life, thou wilt learn to manifest similar senti- 
ments of heart to thy neighbor. 

2. Thou, My Child, and all thy neighbors, ye are 
conjointly children of the same heavenly Father; 
ye were conjointly ransomed at the same price of 
My life ; ye are all to be united forever in fellow- 
ship, by the same bond of the love of the Holy 
Spirit. 

Ye are all called to the same kingdom of heaven ; 
that there ye may be made blissful in perfect peace, 
in the joy of an everlasting union. 

See, therefore, that thou agree with them on the 
way, lest thou be hereafter excluded from the heav- 
enly abode of the Blessed, and delivered up to ex- 
terior torturers. 

This is My example; nay more, this is My com- 
mand, that, carrying each other's burdens, ye love 



294 



THE SECOND BOOK. 



one another, as I love you, — with a supernatural, 
universal, efficacious love. 

If ye love Me, keep My command. If ye keep 
the same, ye will remain in My love. 

He that hates his brother is a murderer : he kills 
the very soul, and that his own. Whosoever is an- 
gry with his brother, shall be answerable before the 
judgment. He that forgives not, shall not be for- 
given. He that forbears not, shall not be forborne. 
For with what measure ye mete, it shall be meas- 
ured to you again. 

3. Remember, My Child, that thou art living — 
not among Angels but among men, who cannot be 
here below without failings. 

Do not then wonder, if frail mortals err or fall: 
but wonder at this, that, whilst thyself thou hast 
many failings, with which others must bear, thou 
darest sometimes feel indignant at those of others. 

If thou bearest not with another's defect, dost 
thou not by the very fact commit a fault and show 
it too ? 

Know that I sometimes suffer well-meaning and 
virtuous men to be opposed to each other, that, 
without sin, there may be an opportunity of bear- 
ing with one another's defects, of practicing solid 
virtues, and of acquiring merits. 

Judge the things of thy neighbor by thy own. 
As thou desirest to be dealt with, so deal thou with 
others : and do not to others what thou wouldst 
not have done to thyself. 



CHAPTER XIX. 



295 



Hast thou not many things, My Child, from 
■which thou wouldst gladly free thyself, and from 
which thou knowest, by thy own experience, that 
thou art unable to free thyself? What thou suffer- 
est, therefore, in thyself, even against thy will, that 
do thou likewise tolerate in others ; whom, if thou 
hast any humility and charity, thou wilt suppose to 
endure their own defects, in spite of themselves. 

4. There are they who willingly enough bear 
with the defects of friends, and of those whom they 
find agreeing with themselves in taste and manuers : 
but who take easily offense at the failings of all 
beside. Now, what virtue is there in this ? Do not 
the heathen do the same ? Nay more, are not the 
very animals, devoid of reason, accustomed to act 
in the same manner ? 

How canst thou be My Disciple, if thou hast the 
feelings of a pagan : or, if thou followest simply an 
animal instinct? 

Be thou animated, My Child, with the supernat- 
ural charity of My Heart ; whereby I endured, and 
loved all, enemies as well as friends, even unto 
death. 

Passing, therefore, over every merely natural 
consideration, endure thou all, love all ; make of 
no one an exception. 

Pray for them that persecute and calumniate 
thee ; bless them that revile thee ; do good to them 
that hate thee ; overcome evil by good. 

Hate the evil which is done : but beware lest thou 



296 



THE SECOND BOOK. 



hate the man who commits the same. How much 
soever thou mayst detest the sin of a man, thou 
art bound to love the man himself. 

5. The Saints, who followed not nature but grace, 
did so far clothe themselves with the sentiments of 
My Heart, that they endured and loved — not only 
all in general, but specially those that were op- 
posed to them. 

Yet, My Child, they too were men ; and, like 
thyself, had the feelings of nature : but they over- 
came nature ; and, in spite of feeling, in their 
greatness of soul, emulated My example. 

Come, Child, be courageous, and, as is becoming 
in a Disciple of My Heart, imitate those noble and 
generous souls. 

When thou feelest indignant at the faults of thy 
neighbor, keep silence ; neither suffer thou aught 
ill-ordered to escape thy lips, — whereby thou mayst 
harm thyself, as well as thy neighbor. 

Pray for him in thy heart ; and steadily refrain 
thy mind from reflecting on his faults. 

Never grow weary of pardoning thy neighbor, 
of bearing with his faults, of loving him with a 
supernatural affection ; if with thy heart thou de- 
sirest to follow My Heart. 

If thou hast many and great things to endure in 
others, remember, Child, that T have undergone 
more and greater things for thy sake : nay, that I 
have borne with more and greater things in thee. 

Behold ! I mercifully forgave thee a debt of ten 



CHAPTER XIX. 



297 



thousand: shouldst "thou not then have pity on thy 
fellow-servant, as I also had mercy on thee? 

Call to mind, My Child, how long, and with how 
great a goodness of Heart, I have endured thee, and 
how I do even now endure thee : and learn thence, 
how and how far thou oughtest to bear with thy 
neighbor. 

6. The voice of the Disciple. — Jesus ! how kind 
and forbearing hast Thou been towards me, yea, 
art even now ! How can I recall this without 
tears of affection and gratitude ! 

How wretched soever I may be, I find Thy 
Heart always open for me : and yet, I own it to my 
confusion, I do sometimes close mine against my 
neighbor. 

Jesus, meek and humble of Heart ! who 
knowest that I am less ready to bear with the de- 
fects of my neighbor, because I love and esteem 
myself too much : infuse into my heart, I beseech 
Thee, the humility and chanty of Thy Heart, that, 
for love of Thee, I may love every neighbor as 
myself. 

Grant me grace, tuat, as often as I behold the 
failings of others, I may raise myself above nature ; 
and that, by a supernatural principle, I may be 
moved to compassion, — not to indignation ; to well- 
wishing, — not to aversion. 

Bestow upon us, most loving Jesus, Thy Spirit, 
the Spirit of charity ; that we may love one another, 



298 THE SECOND BOOK. 

and live united by a holy peace, until we enter the 
realms of Thy everlasting love. 



CHAPTER XX. 

THAT THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS, ACTING 
TOWARD ALL WITH THE GREATEST OPEN-HEART- 
EDNESS, TEACHES US TO ACT WITH SIMPLICITY 
IN REGARD TO OUR NEIGHBOR. 

1. The voice of Jesus. — My Child, when I dwelt 
among men, they wondered and were astonished, 
that with each and all of them, I dealt with so 
great a simplicity. 

But it was a secret of My Heart. For My 
Heart is simple, loves God, and, by the same love, 
all besides; holding one in all, and all in one. 

This simplicity of Heart, which I showed to 
men, is the image of My Spirit. — charity undivided 
in itself, busied with many things, itself ever one : 

Loving God and men in the same Spirit : con- 
templating human misery and prosperity ; averting 
evil and promoting good ; perfecting various works ; 
supporting the different characters and dispositions 
of persons ; passing, in one and the same manner, 
through varied and manifold circumstances : and 
all this in the same Spirit. 

By this most pleasing virtue, men were wonder- 



CHAPTER XX. 



299 



fully moved. For never had they beheld, nor even 
conceived in their mind, so great a simplicity 
united with so great a dignity ; so uniform a kind- 
ness allied to so wonder-working a power. 

In Me there was no duplicity, nothing feigned, 
no affected loftiness of speech, no artful manner of 
acting. 

The ingenuous frankness of My Soul was ap- 
parent to all ; My actions reflected, as it were, like 
a mirror, the sincerity of My Heart. 

Hence, My Child, men came to Me of their own 
accord, and poured out their hearts before Me. 
Even little children ran to meet Me : and I suffered 
them to come to Me, so that men wondered ; I 
spoke to them with kindness, I blessed them ; I 
filled them, all joyous as they were, with the love 
of virtue. 

2. By My example, learn to make use of a holy 
simplicity in regard to thy neighbor, — which con- 
sists in drawing thy thoughts, words and deeds, 
from one divine charity, and in referring to the 
same the thoughts, words and deeds of others. 

In My Heart, the centre of charity, is every 
neighbor to be viewed and loved. 

Whoever views his neighbor without My Heart, 
easily divides his heart among various merely 
natural affections, or compounds it by means of 
motives or intentions partly human. 

But he that views and loves men in the charity 
of My Heart, he, with a single eye, sees one in all ; 



300 



THE SECOND BOOK. 



he, with a pure affection, loves one in all ; he has 
his heart neither compounded nor divided. 

3. Thus then, be thou simple in viewing or think- 
ing that which is thy neighbor's : and do not divide 
thy heart, by rashly judging. 

Who has established thee a judge of thy neigh- 
bor? Whence thy right to condemn him ? how 
darest thou to cast off, by thy judgment, one whom 
I shield with My Heart, whom thou art bound to 
love as a brother, who, in My sight, may be, now 
or hereafter, better than thyself? 

Tf thou judgest rashly, My Child, thou art inex- 
cusable. For, if thou so condemnest another, dost 
thou not condemn thyself? By rashly judging 
him guilty of a fault, thou renderest thyself guilty 
of a fault. 

Do not, however, confound a suggestion with a 
suspicion, nor a suspicion with a judgment. A 
suggestion is an evil instigation, which does not 
depend on man's will, and therefore, unless willfully 
indulged in, is blameless. And what is suspicion, 
except, from some doubtful signs, to think and 
hold something as probable or truth-like ? But 
judging is, from a sufficient reason, to decide and 
believe something as certain. 

Wherefore, when there is a sufficient reason for 
suspecting or judging, the suspicion and the judg- 
ment are assuredly neither rash nor culpable. 

And if a sufficient reason to suspect or judge be 



CHAPTER XX. 



301 



wanting, without its being remarked, the error is 
invincible and guiltless. 

If, however, the care of others be committed to 
thy charge, it is not only lawful, but also necessary, 
whenever probable signs of evil are given, — that 
thou' have suspicion concerning those who are 
subject to thee ; that thus thou mayst prudently 
remove the evil, if any be found to exist. 

For the rest, My Child, whatsoever sign, word or 
deed, thou dost observe in thy neighbor, take it 
ever in good part ; if by any means it can be ex- 
cused in thy mind, do so ; but if thou seest that it 
can in no manner be excused, correct him by a 
word of charity, or by a sign of disapproval, if 
prudence allow it, and certain fruit is expected. 

My Child ! the holy simplicity of charity 
thinks no evil ; neither is it grieved because it errs, 
when innocently it judges well, even of what is evil. 

4. Be thou also simple in speech, My Child. 
Do not divide thy heart by means of the tongue, — 
as does the world, which, satisfied with outward 
appearances, boasts foolishly of the art of feigning 
and dissembling. 

Do thou, from the treasury of a virtuous heart, 
with simplicity present good things to thy neighbor. 

Far removed, therefore, from thy conversation, 
be all artfulness, all duplicity, all craftiness ; 
whereby thy neighbor may be misled with fallacies, 
or rendered distrustful through fear of some con- 
cealed untruth, or scandalized by the evidence of 



302 



THE SECOND BOOK. 



implied wrongfulness ; or, lastly, be made to suffer 
harm on account of his credulity. 

My Child, whatsoever thy lips utter, let it also 
be the sentiment of thy heart. Does it, then, be- 
hoove thee to express the inordinate emotions of 
the passions, if thou feelest these within thyself ? 
Beware, lest thou draw such an inference : be far 
from such a belief ; these emotions are not only to 
be suppressed by the lips, but also by the heart. 

Be the same to all ; true and holy simplicity is 
courteous to all, ever agreeable, everywhere uni- 
form. 

Whatever be the reasons in thy favor, do not 
wound the union of charity, for the sake of matters 
which are indifferent, or do not concern thee. Re- 
member, that one act of charity surpasses infinitely 
the multitude of all reasonings. 

If it happen that, by a word, thou give offense 
to thy neighbor, humbling thyself in artless sim- 
plicity, endeavor, as soon as possible, to give him 
satisfaction, or an excuse. For humility alone is a 
reparation of wounded charity. 

5. Finally, be also simple in acting. Let there 
appear in thee no affectation, nor carelessness : be 
thy whole exterior such, that it may show the can- 
dor of thy interior. 

Let all things, that regard thy neighbor, be done 
in charity ; which, although it is one and single, 
yet possesses many and various acts. One and un- 
divided as it is, it knows how to unite many and 



CHAPTER XX. 



303 



divided objects ; to tolerate equally things unequal, 
and to preserve and advance those which are 
united. 

My Child, if thou hast truly learnt the simpli- 
city of My Heart, thou wilt, with ease and sincerity, 
show a yielding charity to all, — becoming honor 
to every one ; being so disposed, as inwardly to 
give the preference to others, and willing, with one 
and the same divine love, joyfully to render service 
to each one, according to his position. 

Proceed with simplicity, My Child, go on straight 
forward, not running to the right nor to the left, in 
order to speculate about things possible; or to in- 
vestigate what others may think of thee. 

In all things seek Me alone, whom thou shalt 
undoubtedly find in all, and in whom alone thou 
shalt possess all. 

6. Woe to the double-hearted, who has one thing 
in his heart, another on his lips ; who keeps sweet- 
ness on his lips, bitterness in his heart; who out- 
wardly professes sincerity, and inwardly hides 
deceit ! # 

The heart that enters the path of deceit shall 
meet no happy issue : it shall find neither the path 
to My Heart, nor the road to the heart of the 
neighbor : it shall stray to its own confusion. 

Duplicity shall one day be unvailed, and the hope 
of the*hypocrite shall perish. 

But blessed are the simple ; for theirs is secure 
peace ! I say it again : Blessed, because My con- 



304 



THE SECOND BOOK. 



versation and familiar intercourse is with the 
simple ! 

He that walks in simplicity, walks confidingly, 
and shall be safe. 

7. Beware, My Child, lest by following simpli- 
city, thou dash thyself against imprudence. Holy 
simplicity is artless indeed, because it is holy ; but, 
because it is holy, it is also prudent. 

Be, therefore, simple as the dove : but also pru- 
dent as the serpent. 

Do not lay open thy heart to every one. Do not 
unvail thy own affairs to thy neighbor, except in 
so much as well-ordered charity demands. 

Whatsoever serves not for common edification, or 
is not of an ordinary kind, suffer thou to be known 
to none, except Myself, and to those that hold My 
place in thy regard. 

Let not thy heart be like a broken vessel, which 
cannot hold what is poured into it. 

If thou canst not keep a secret, thou art not only 
unworthy of the name of a Disciple of My Heart, but 
even of the confidence of thy neighbor; very un- 
worthy of the secrets of friends, most unworthy of 
My own. 

Hast thou heard anything whispered against thy 
neighbor ? Let it die within thee : it shall not 
cause thee to burst, My Child, neither shall it hurt 
thee in any way. 

A tale-bearer shall defile his own soul, and be 



CHAPTER XX. 



305 



hateful to others. For he is a doubly envenomed 
tool of evil. 

To say the truth is not always lawful, but to tell 
a falsehood is never allowed. Prudence, therefore, 
is necessary, lest, by uttering what is true, or by 
saying what is false, thou sin against charity and 
other virtues. 

Under such circumstances, My Child, have thou 
recourse to My Heart : the unction of Its charity 
will teach thee, in what manner thou oughtest to 
proceed. 

Lastly, pray that thou mayst obtain the spirit of 
holy simplicity, and cultivate a virtue, whereby 
thou wilt render thy intercouse with thy neighbor 
grateful and profitable to thyself, as well as to him, 
and pleasing and honorable to Me. 

8. The voice of the Disci-pie. — Thou, Lord, art 
the model, the pattern of perfect simplicity. Would 
that I might become like to Thee ! 

Jesus, Thou simple love ! make Thou my 
heart single, that I may come as near to Thy sim- 
plicity as it can be granted to a creature, — by lov- 
ing one in all, and all in one. 

Render Thou my mind single, by freeing it from 
the different and false principles of the world and of 
self-love ; and by preserving it from every evil sus- 
picion and rash judgment; that it may be guided 
by Thee alone, — where things are certain, in truth ; 
and, where they are doubtful, in charity. 

Make me wholly single, inwardly and outwardlyi 
26 



306 



THE SECOND BOOK. 



that, having become one, I may always and every- 
where be uniform, — inferring all things from Thee 
alone, and referring all to Thee alone, who art the 
beginning and end of all. 



CHAPTER XXI. 

THAT THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS, SHOW- 
ING TO MEN THE SWEETNESS OF HUMBLE CHAR- 
ITY, LEFT US A MODEL WHICH WE SHOULD FOL- 
LOW. 

1. The voice of Jesus. — Hearken, My Child, 
and receive My words. When of old, by the 
Prophet, God spoke of His Son, who was to come 
into the world, He said : Behold My Servant, My 
Beloved, in whom My soul is well pleased. I will 
put My Spirit upon Him. He shall not contend, 
nor cry out. The bruised reed He shall not break, 
and smoking flax He shall not extinguish. In His 
name shall the nations hope. 

As such I came, My Child ; as such I was in this 
world. I treated men with so great a humility, so 
great a charity, that I was called the Lamb of God, 
and known by that name. 

See how I lived among men : how I behaved to- 
ward them. Although I was their Lord, I was in 
their midst as one ministering. 



CHAPTER XXI. 



307 



From all parts they came hastening to Me, with 
what? ailment soever they might be afflicted ; know- 
ing that to Me humility was habitual ; mildness, 
natural, — that goodness was the very essence of 
My Heart. 

And, indeed, the first or theleastsigh of any one, 
who was miserable, moved My Heart, and awakened 
all Its tenderness. 

Did I ever cast off any one? did I ever slight 
the poorest, or ever the least of all ? Did I ever 
show a sign of dislike to any one ? On the con- 
trary, I embraced and cherished all, with the greatest 
marks of kindness. 

Consider, My Child, and reflect, with how great 
a tender-heartedness I treated little children ; with 
what endearing and even-minded humility I taught 
the ignorant; with how steadfast and generous a 
courage I dealt with the troublesome ; with how 
glowing a zeal with worldlings ; with how feeling a 
composure with the afflicted ; with how great an 
affability with sinners ; with how holy a love with 
the good ; with how humble a charity with all. 

This humble charity, the characteristic virtue of 
My Heart, ravished the hearts of all, to such a d«- 
gree, that, as the envious murmuringly complained ? 
the whole world went after Me. 

Verily, My Child, this humble charity of My 
Heart, overcame the whole world. For whence, 
thinkest thou, arose so wonderful, so sudden a con- 
version of the world, if not from the secret unction 



308 



THE SECOND BOOK. 



which moved, — and the well-known goodness of 
My Heart, which attracted all ? 

Behold ! as the goodness of My Heart became 
known, men hastened to Me from every place, out 
of every state of life, under every disposition of 
body and soul ; and, even now, they continue to do 
so ; because they hear that the poor are not spurned 
by Me ; that the afflicted are not forsaken ; that sin- 
ners are not abhorred ; that the weeping Magdalen, 
the suppliant woman of Canaan, the praying publi- 
can, the apostate Disciple returning, the penitent 
thief, My very torturers, that smote their breasts, 
are not cut off. 

2. My Child, strive thou, with all diligence, to 
follow this pattern of life, this method of dealing 
with men, and to realize the same in thy behavior, 
as a true Disciple of My Heart. 

Some Saints, perfectly imbued with the senti- 
ments of My Heart, so behaved, that men could not 
deal with them, without being led by their very 
appearance, — as by an exact likeness, — to an affec- 
tionate remembrance of Me. 

Thou canst not deal with thy neighbor in an in- 
different manner : thou wilt produce in him either 
good or evil. 

No one can treat with men without loss, either 
to himself or to another ; except whosoever is will- 
ing, with a sincere heart, to humble himself before 
men. 

It is frequently necessary humbly to give up 



CHAPTER XXI. 



309 



thy opinion, if thou desirest to deal with others 
without disagreement: nay more, often thou must 
kindly embrace things unpleasant to nature, if thou 
wishest to live with them without bitterness. 

Whence do dissensions arise among mortals? Is 
it not from pride, whereby one refuses to yield to 
another ? Whence bitter feelings ? Is it not from 
an inordinate self-love, which corrupts the very 
heart? 

Drive away pride from among men ; and behold ! 
with it all human troubles will disappear. Next, 
expel self-love ; and thou shalt see the delights of 
heaven reigning on earth. 

If thou art truly humble, thou shalt captivate thy 
neighbor ; and if thou burnest with a pure charity, 
thou shalt carry him along, to make him use his 
efforts to run in the odor of virtues, which breathe 
forth so sweet a fragrance. 

3. Humble charity is mightier than all severity. 
This, whilst outwardly it may hinder evil, inwardly 
estranges from good : that on the other hand, cor- 
rects evil, and causes good to be loved. 

Nothing is more easy in directing than severity 
or laxity. But what is there more dangerous for 
men than the former? or what more injurious to 
Me than the latter ? 

They that lead not an interior life, and, therefore, 
suffer themselves to be guided by nature, rather 
than by My Spirit, — are wont to fall into the one 
or the other excess. 



310 



THE SECOND BOOK. 



My Child, if thou art charged with the care of 
others, thou shoudst be, before all else, an interior 
person. Whoever is not such, how is he to be 
pitied, when placed over others ! For he shall 
doubtless ill perform many things, and do harm to 
My interests intrusted to him ; and of all this he 
shall give a reckoning. 

Woe to the religious Community, whose Superior 
is not an interior person ! For behold ! it shall lan- 
guish in spirit, and fall away by degrees ; since 
every Community suffers most dangerously in its 
head ; and hence, the individuals composing the 
same suffer fatally in the heart, by an ill-ordered 
affection for creatures, — the most dangerous disease 
of individuals. 

If thou holdest My place in regard to others, 
thou must guide and govern them by My Spirit, 
that thou mayst, in them and through them, ad- 
vance My interests. If thou actest differently, thou 
mayst, perhaps, promote thy own interests, not 
Mine, — give satisfaction to thy own nature, and to 
that of others, but not to My Heart. 

If thou art an interior person, animated with My 
Spirit, thy ways of acting will be strong in deed, 
but full of sweetness in manner. Thou wilt con- 
stantly pursue the objects aimed at, until thou at- 
tainest to them, — but with that sweetness of char- 
ity, which, whilst it stimulates, never wounds ; 
which, when it urges onward, does not imbitter ; 
which employs a thousand painstakings to win : 



CHAPTER XXI. 



311 



which finally overcomes, but so overcomes that the 
conquered one surrenders by a voluntary act, and 
meritoriously. 

Thou wilt so make use of My secret of govern- 
ing, as not to require the same of all ; but, by the 
same spirit, to gain of each, that which, regard be- 
ing had to talents, strength, and other circum- 
stances, could reasonably be obtained. 

Thou wilt know how to take advantage of the 
character of thy subjects ; and to employ the same 
for its proper effect, and relatively to the greatest 
usefulness. 

Thou wilt take heed, lest, under any pretense, 
thou estrange subjects, or render them dispirited. 
And thou wilt strive to treat subjects as I treated 
My Apostles ; so that, full of confidence, they have 
recourse to thee in every difficulty, and do find thee 
ever animated by My Spirit, and devoted to them ; 
that thus they may live ever cheerful, and serve Me 
with a willing mind and a large heart. 

Remember, My Child, that there is nothing more 
difficult that to punish beneficially. Wherefore, if, 
at any time, it be necessary to punish, see thou do 
not make the evil worse : take care lest, outwardly 
thou incrust and whiten the individual, as if he 
were a sepulchre, and inclose and keep rottenness 
within. 

Never, by word or deed, rebuke another ; if either 
thyself or he be excited with anger. It will be 
sufficient to restrain, for the present, him that ac~ 



312 



THE SECOND BOOK. 



tually commits a formal sin : delay the punishment, 
until thou canst prepare and administer it without 
passion, and he, being now pacified, may accept and 
undergo the same with profit. 

4. Never needlessly sadden any one : if, at any 
time, thou art obliged to say or do things unpleas- 
ant to others, soften them, for charity's sake, with 
good reasons, and season them with such a sweet- 
ness of manner, that whatever is bitter may be felt 
as little as possible. 

If thou art asked anything which thou canst not 
grant ; show to him that asks, how much thou de- 
sirest that thou wert able, and how it grieves thee 
that thou art unable to comply therewith : and so he 
will go away satisfied, and more edified, than if he 
had obtained his request. 

Do not, under cover of charity, entertain men 
with empty flatteries, or deceive them by a certain 
politic astuteness. This manner of acting is hate- 
ful to heaven and earth : for, unless it is grounded 
on truth, it is not charity but deceit. 

5. On the contrary, My Child, do thou so mani- 
fest in thyself the character of the humble charity 
of My Heart, as to be, in every place, the good 
odor of My example. 

So let thy light shine before men, that they may 
see thy good deeds, and glorify thy Father, who is 
in heaven. 

The voice of the Disciple. — Yet, Lord, didst 
Thou not recommend to Thy Disciples, that they 



CHAPTEll XXI. 



313 



should shut the door, and keep their own affairs 
secret ? 

The voice of Jesus. — Dost thou not understand 
these things, My Child? Know, then, and give 
heed. Things which are not required, nor serve 
for common edification, should be done in private ; 
since they might become a stumbling-block to thy 
neighbor, and dangerous to thyself : but those 
which are common or necessary, are to be so per- 
formed in public, that the intention remains con- 
cealed ; that thus, by thy works, thou mayst give 
good example to thy neighbor ; and, for thy inten- 
tion, whereby thou seekest to please Me alone, thou 
ever desirest secrecy. 

6. If, through divine love, thou exercisest hu- 
mility and charity toward all, whosoever they may 
be, thou wilt assuredly be the good odor ef My 
Heart for all who shall see thy example. 

And, although others should not profit by thy 
example, thou shalt be no less dear to My Heart. 

Blessed is he, My Child, who by the example of 
a humble charity, shall so shine before men, as to 
show that the goodness of My Heart is to be loved 
and imitated ! They that so explain Me, shall have 
life everlasting. 

7. The voice of the Disciple. — Lord, meek 
and lowly Jesus ! to perform the things which Thou 
teachest as drawn from Thy Heart, so full of sweet- 
ness, I need a powerful grace. I beseech Thee, 
help me with Thy most efficacious aid. 

27 



314 



THE SECOND BOOK. 



I ought, and I desire, to possess a greater hu- 
mility, and a greater charity as well. For, often- 
times, I own it to my shame, through lack of hu- 
mility and charity, I offend my neighbor and dis- 
please Thee. 

Most humble and sweet Jesus, Thou Magnet 
of hearts, who, by the divine goodness of Thy 
Heart, drawest all men, and entertainest them with 
the inexhaustible sweetness of Thy humble charity ; 
grant, that I may follow Thee ; grant me, to be a 
perfect Disciple of Thy Heart. 

Free me from the harshness and bitterness of 
pride and self-love ; render my heart, like Thine, 
uniformly kind, and ever replenished with humble 
charity toward all, without limitation of persons. 



CHAPTER XXII. 

THAT THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS, LIVING 
IN THE WORLD, TEACHES US SO TO DWELL IN 
THE WORLD, THAT WE BE NEITHER OP THE 
WORLD, NOR HARMED BY IT. 

1. The voice of Jesus. — My Child, so long as I 
was in the world, I was not of the world : I abode 
among the good and the wicked : neither had the 
prince of the world, nor its spirit, anything in Me. 

Although I was incapable of sin, yet I made use 



CHAPTER XXII. 



315 



of such things, as might teach My Disciples how 
they should keep themselves from the defilements 
of the world. 

Inwardly My Heart was so estranged from the 
world, that It was affected by nothing which is of 
this world ; It so burned with divine love, that, 
like a flame, It ever rose above all things created. 

It was inwardly self-collected, whilst It was 
busied outwardly : within, It remained united to 
God, whilst without, It was occupied with men. 

But, outwardly, everything was in Me well- 
ordered : the senses were passionless : My behavior 
full of discernment. 

So prudent and holy was My conversation, that 
My very enemies went away, saying : Never has 
man spoken like this one. 

Nothing was ever imprudently uttered, nothing 
was unguarded; no dangerous familiarity, no levity ; 
but a certain placid seriousness, tempered with a 
wonderful sweetness, distinguished My outward 
carriage. 

In Me, everything was full of dignity, which in- 
spired both respect and love, checked all forward- 
ness, inculcated reserve, recommended virtue. 

Withdrawing frequently from men, I betook My- 
self to prayer ; although inwardly I never ceased 
to pray. 

2. My Child, would that thou didst understand 
these things ! Would that thou didst imitate them, 



316 



THE SECOND BOOK. 



that thou inightst abide, without sin or harm, in 
this wicked world ! 

To encourage thyself, look at the example of the 
Saints, who, pressing My footsteps, lived indeed 
with their body in the world, but with their heart 
uplifted far above the world. 

The world harmed them not, because they loved 
naught of the world : on the contrary, it was useful 
to them ; because, the more they perceived the 
banefulness of the world, the more highly they 
valued the divine friendship, and the more they 
cherished the same. 

Whatever they beheld in the world, they despised 
and rejected as offscourings, that they might enjoy 
the blessings of My grace and love. 

3. My Child, if thou wilt dwell in the world 
without hurt, first of all, let thy heart be well- 
regulated within. Let it be convinced of the utter 
vanity of the world, and abhor it: let it be con- 
scious of the inestimable price of My friendship, 
and adhere thereto. 

Accustom thyself forthwith to turn inwardly 
with thy heart to Me, — so often as anything is 
offered to thee by the world, — and to utter these, 
or similar, aspirations : Besides Thee, what do I 
desire upon earth, God of my heart, and my por- 
tion forever ! 

If thy heart be rightly regulated in this manner, 
thou shalt be little moved, by whatever thou mayst 
see in the world. Nay more, the world, even in 



CHAPTER XXII. 



317 



epite of itself, will work with thee unto good ; be- 
cause it will often drive thee to Me, — the centre of 
thy felicity ; and will make thee understand more 
and more fully the unutterable wretchedness of the 
world, and the blessedness of My service. 

Keep thy heart so disposed, that it be neither 
troubled at the greatness of the crimes of others, 
nor scandalized by the perverseness of the wicked ; 
nor let it hesitate to continue with Me, in spite of 
any attempts of hell or of the world. 

Know thou, My Child, that the wicked, among 
whom thou mayst live, can in no way harm thee, 
if thy heart effectually dissent from them. It is 
not in the power of the perverse to injure thee, 
provided thou art unwilling. For no one is harmed 
except by himself. 

4. Notwithstanding, since the flesh is weak, and 
the heart prone to evil, it may happen that the senses, 
unless carefully guarded, do, to thy great peril } 
bring the foe even to thy very heart. 

It is, therefore, necessary, in thy intercourse with 
the world, to guard all the avenues of the senses ; 
if thou do not wish to be exposed to the danger of 
discovering that, by degrees, thou becomest affected, 
defiled, corrupted. 

The things of the world, which fall under the 
senses, thou oughtest to see, as if thou didst not 
see them ; to hear, as if thou didst not hear them ; 
in short, to perceive them, by means of the senses, 
as if thou didst not perceive them. 



318 



THE SECOND BOOK. 



But thy chief watchfulness ought ever to be ex- 
erted over thy heart. For, even should the enemy 
secretly penetrate within the gates, if thyself thou 
dost not open thy heart, he shall be unable to enter, 
or to destroy thee. 

Wherefore, preserve with the greatest care the 
unshaken resolve of cleaving to Me with thy whole 
heart ; of wisely protecting all the approaches to 
thy heart. After this, attend with confidence to 
thy affairs, prepared with a resolute mind, in every 
danger, to have recourse to Me, and to act with 
fidelity. 

5. My Child, thou wilt avoid many dangers, if, 
at all times, thou showest a certain dignity, — not 
indeed an artificial one, but one that springs from 
virtue, such as is befitting in every Disciple of My 
Heart. 

Wherever, therefore, thou mayst be, so deport 
thyself, that there appear in thee nothing mean, 
nothing light, nothing either forced or feigned : 
on the contrary, let there shine forth in thee an 
easy, sweet decorum, which is well suited to re- 
strain others, and to fill them with respect. 

Do not, in act nor in affection, enslave thyself to 
any creature ; always and everywhere keep thyself 
free. 

Neither do thou intrust thyself, and what belongs 
to thee, to all and every one : but try the spirit, 
and mistrust the same unless proved. Remember, 



CHAPTER XXII. 



319 



that many have been deceived by appearances, and 
destroyed by an imprudent familiarity. 

6. It will prove very useful, My Child, to foresee 
the things to be transacted with the world : to con- 
sider carefully, what is to be done, and in what 
manner ; with what persons thou hast to deal, and 
under what circumstances ; in short, what means 
are to be taken to succeed in the business, as well 
as to avoid sin. 

Thou shouldst, however, rely more upon divine 
grace, than upon thy own industry ; thou must, 
therefore, frequently turn thyself to Me, ask My 
counsel, and entreat Me. 

Yea, My Child, in whatsoever matters thou mayst 
be engaged ; among what men soever thou mayst 
be ; thou oughtest so to behave, so to hold thy 
heart free from creatures, that thou mayst be able, 
at the very appearance of sin, with a pious and easy 
motion, to fly to Me, and hide thyself, far away 
from every danger, in My Heart. 

7. The voice of the Disciple. — most sweet and 
amiable Jesus ! Thou knowest that I am in the 
world, only because Thou didst will that I should 
be in the world. I do humbly beseech Thee, pre- 
serve me, exposed as I am to the filthy world, that 
I be not sunk in its mire, nor soiled by its unclean - 
ness. 

My God ! the more attentively I look at the 
world, the viler it grows to me : on the other hand, 
the more eagerly I meditate upon Thee, the more 



320 



THE SECOND BOOK. 



exceedingly sweet Thou becomest to me : the more 
good things I find in Thee, — the more and the 
greater appear those that I see remain to he found. 

J esus, my supreme Good ! keep me near Thy- 
self, and grant that neither the devil, nor his allure- 
ments, may carry me off ; that the world, or its 
deceitful vanity, may not beguile me \ that corrupt 
nature may not overcome me ; that my unguarded 
senses may not betray me. 

Strengthen me with Thy efficacious grace, that I 
may lead a blameless life in this world ; until Thou 
takest me from the danger of the world into the 
secure abode of heaven. 



CHAPTER XXIII. 

THAT THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS, REQUIR- 
ING FAITH IN HIS DISCIPLES, TEACHES US TO LIVE 
THE LIFE OF FAITH. 

1. The voice of Jesus. — When the Son of man 
comes, thinkest thou, that He shall find faith, not 
of any kind, but a faith lively, active, fervent ? 

And yet, such a faith I ever required, and do 
require of My Disciples ; because I am ever the 
same God, ever equally deserving, that they live 
for Me by faith. 

The voice of the Disciple.— Yea Lord, Thou art 



CHAPTER XXIII. 



321 



God, ever the same, ever supremely worthy, that 
for Thee all things live, that to Thee all be per- 
fectly submissive, wholly devoted. 

The voice of Jesus. — Rightly dost thou believe 
this, My Child, because the universe bears witness 
that I am God. From the beginning, the Patri- 
archs and Prophets foretold Me such : as such was 
I pointed out beforehand by nature, and by the 
Law,the end whereof I am. 

As such did all the elements acknowledge Me : 
the heavens confessed Me, since, at My birth, they 
displayed the star : the sea declared Me, since it 
suffered itself to be trodden by My feet : the earth 
proclaimed Me, since, at My passion, it quaked : 
the sun recognized Me, since he hid the rays of his 
light, and grieved for the expiring author of his 
being. 

The very spirits of hell acknowledged Me as 
such, since they showed that, without My consent, 
they could assail not even the vilest animals, and 
since they gave up the dead whom they were de- 
taining. 

The Angels gave testimony of Me, since, at My 
Incarnation, they announced Me the Son of God ; 
since, at My Nativity, they proclaimed Me to the 
world as the Saviour ; since they ministered to Me 
during My life ; since they showed themselves as 
witnesses at My Resurrection. 

There is another who gave testimony of Me, My 



322 



THE SECOND BOOK. 



Father Himself, since He declared Me repeatedly 
His own beloved Son. 

Moreover, the Holy Spirit also gave testimony 
of Me, neither does He cease so to do, since, by 
the enlightening and motion of grace, and the out- 
pouring of His gifts, He draws to Me the hearts 
of men. 

Nay more, My own works also, which I did, give 
testimony of Me. For behold ! it was by My power 
that the blind were made to see, the lame to wallc^ 
the deaf to hear ; that the lepers were cleansed, the 
sick healed, the dead restored to life. 

2. Now, all these things, My Child, — and what- 
soever else is to be believed to obtain salvation, — 
by whom are they, infallibly, without danger of 
error, made known to thee, if not by the Church ; 
by whose mouth I speak more clearly now, then I 
did of old, by the mouth of the holy Prophets ? 

Yea truly, this is My mouth, which, when I 
open, I teach the multitudes : this is the instru- 
ment by which I speak exteriorly to men : this is 
the last rule of the things to be believed, unerring 
and unalterable : this, finally, is the only Church, 
wherein is found the faith, by which the just live. 

Without faith it is impossible to please Me. 
Whence it is clear, that every just man who is 
Mine, lives by the faith, which works through 
charity. 

3. My Child, the life of faith possesses, as it 
were, certain degrees j the first of which is, when 



^CHAPTER XXIII. 



323 



man, — aided by grace from above, — by reason of 
the divine authority, believes Me, as I speak 
through the Church, and lives in the state of grace. 

My Child, a miracle is God's testimony : a mir- 
acle is an evident utterance of God, and the infallible 
seal of divine truth. 

Now, the Church herself is a miracle, an evident 
miracle, whether thou considerest her origin and pro- 
pagation, since, — established by miracles, without 
human aid, in spite of hell, in spite of all the powers 
of the world, in spite of every kind of wickedness 
of men conspiring by every possible means, — she 
went forth like lightning from the East, and appear- 
ed even in the West : or whether thou considerest 
her preservation and uninterrupted growth, since, — 
whilst so many of her degenerate children in every 
age, attacked her anon by fraud, violence, rage ; and 
so many tierce persecutors, at all times, never grew 
weary with attacking her in open and secret ways, — 
she herself, amid the ruins of centuries, whilst all 
the kingdoms of the earth crumbled into dust, 
stood always more firm, more magnificent, more 
glorious, crowned with victory, as often as she was 
assailed. 

Wherefore I, — God, speaking by miracles, — 
speak through this same Church, an ever-enduring 
miracle. 

Blessed he, that hears this Church, One, Holy, 
Catholic, Apostolic : he that hears her, hears Me, 
certain that he is in the way of saving truth : he 



324 



THE SECOND BOOK. 



that will not hear her, is like the heathen and pub- 
lican ; neither does he hear Me, nor can he be 
otherwise than on the road of death-bringing 
error. 

My Child, if thou wilt be safe and secure, cling 
thou, with heart and mind, to the Church, which I 
built upon the immovable rock ; which I cemented 
with My Blood ; wherein I dwell ; which I govern 
by My Spirit, quicken with My Heart. 

Hold thy mind so prepared, that to whatsoever 
she may teach or command, thou submit thyself 
humbly and cheerfully : and keep thy heart so 
disposed, that thou love her affectionately, as thy 
best Mother, the kind parent of them that are to 
be saved. 

However, faith, to be a saving one, must be en- 
livened by sanctifying grace. For, without this 
grace, it neither unites thee to Me, nor does it 
make thee a living member of the Church. My 
mystical Body. Wherefore, it has been most truly 
said, that faith without works is dead-, although 
when grace is lost, by a sin not against faith, faith 
is not lost at the same time ; and the faith which 
remains, is a true faith, even if it is not a living 
one. 

My Child, keep thou with every care, this gift 
of thy God, divine faith : and make known the life 
of this faith, by works done in the state of grace. 

4. There is a second degree of the life of faith, 



CHAPTER XXIII 



325 



when all voluntary acts, interior as well as exterior, 
are animated by the principles of a living faith. 

He that has a lively faith, guides himself by the 
everlasting principles of faith ; whereby he under- 
stands, that he is created for a supernatural end, 
unending beatitude with Me : that all the inferior 
creatures on earth are made, to help man in the 
attainment of this end. 

But in many persons, faith languishes, because 
they neglect to meditate on the truths of faith, — 
being too busily engaged with the things that are 
of the world and the flesh. 

For, if these everlasting truths were well con 
sidered, and received into the heart, doubtless, the 
things of God and of salvation would be loved ; 
faith would be vigorous, and bring forth flowers 
and the richest fruits. 

My Child, every Disciple of My Heart possesses 
and cherishes this lively faith : by it he lives, 
cheered on by hope, and glowing with charity ; and 
he goes and ascends from virtue to virtue. 

5. Many of them whom I call to an uncommon 
holiness, I am wont to prepare gradually for a pure 
faith. This pure faith is the third degree of the 
life of faith. In this degree man leads, by means 
of perfect faith, a life altogether supernatural; and, 
even in the midst of darkness and temptations, — 
following under obedience, blindly as it were, the 
torch of faith — he serves Me faithfully, although 



326 



THE SECOND BOOK. 



he may not see or know whether or not he is serv- 
ing Me. 

My Child, if, by My Spirit, thou art led to this 
life, enter upon it with great courage ; and follow 
with a fearless heart, under obedience, the divine 
guidance. 

And, when thou art now walking in these interior 
ways, where thou shalt see naught, but where thou 
shalt perceive on all sides enemies, by whom thou 
shalt sometimes think thyself already ensnared ; 
where thou shalt descry underneath thyself the 
yawning abyss, into which thou supposest thyself 
ready to fall at every step ; where, lastly, thou 
shalt deem that heaven above is incensed against 
thee, and that thou feelest this ; going ever onward, 
without knowing by what way or whither, but 
supposing that thou art ever coming nearer to thy 
destruction : then, My Child, enliven thy faith, 
and follow, with a pure faith, even blindly, the 
guidance of them that hold My place in thy regard. 

Let not thy heart be troubled, My Child : but 
cheer up thy courage, and call to mind, that thou 
art walking in the way, wherein the greatest Saints 
have walked before thee ; who, had they not passed 
through the same, had never sanctified themselves. 

When, finally, all secret pride, and self-love have 
been sufficiently rooted out ; when the intended pu- 
rifying shall have been completed, according to My 
designs ; then the eyes of thy soul shall be opened ; 
and, filled with astonishment, thou shalt find thy- 



CHAPTER XXIII. 



327 



self in a new way, which will be like a pledge of 
life everlasting. 

After this, My Child, thou shalt live, as it were, 
in an uninterrupted serenity : thou shalt behold 
things not seen before : thou shalt rejoice as thou 
didst never rejoice before : thou shalt understand, 
and taste the secrets of My Heart with a new 
relish : and thou shalt rather fly than walk to per- 
fection. 

6. The voice of the Disciple. — Being of beings, 
God, who canst not deceive nor be deceived ! I 
believe whatsoever Thou proposest to be believed 
through Thy Holy Catholic Church, whom Thou 
didst appoint the guardian, witness and interpreter 
of Thy saving doctrine ; whom Thou didst establish 
the unshaken ground-work of the truth ; whom 
Thou dost so shelter beneath Thy protection, that 
the gates of hell can never prevail against her. 

O Church, One, Holy, Catholic, Apostolic ! Vir- 
gin Spouse of Jesus, the Son of God, — who abides 
with Thee all days, even to the consummation of 
time, — thou that bearest His name upon thy 
brow, and His divine seal upon thy arms ; thou 
evident and unending miracle ! whosoever does not 
acknowledge thee, is devoid of reason ; whoso does 
not love thee, is truly heartless ; whoso does not 
hear thee, deserves to be considered a heathen. 

O Church, One, Holy, Catholic, Apostolic ! 
Mother most loving, Mother most lovely, whoso- 
ever has not thee for Mother, has not God for 



328 



THE SECOND BOOK. 



Father ! Dear indeed, is my native land: dear my 
family : dear my life : but incomparably dearer art 
thou, my Mother, thou Church divine ! dearest 
Mother, let my right hand be forgotten, if ever I 
forget thee ! let my heart faint away, if I do not 
love thee, if I make thee not the beginning of my 
joy and glory ! 

thou Church, One, Holy, Catholic, Apostolic ; 
saving queen of the world, whose everlasting sway 
is spread over the earth ; whose subjects, — the rich 
and the poor, the European and the American, the 
Asiatic and the African, — are children of one 
Mother, brethren of one family, princes all, — all 
destined to reign for evermore. thou, upon 
whom shine the Apostles, glittering luminaries of 
the world ; whose triumphs thousands of Martyrs 
proclaim ; whose wonderful works the armies of 
Confessors display ; whose beauty ever new the 
Angelic multitudes of Virgins manifest ; whose 
name and splendor all the heroes of virtue adorn ; 
behold ! I, together with the thousands of thy 
children, from the four quarters of the globe, — of 
all tribes, and peoples, and tongues, — arise and bless 
thee, uttering with one heart and one voice : Set 
out with thy comeliness : proceed thou prosper- 
ously and reign ! Let thy blissful reign be spread 
even to the boundaries of the earth, that, under it, 
we mortals, each and all, may, with joyous hearts, 
together serve Grod our Saviour, until we draw near 
to the heavenly City, and the multitude of the 



CHAPTER XXIV. 329 

many thousands of Angels, — the Church of the 
first-born, — that are in heaven ! 



CHAPTER XXIV. 



THAT THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS, PROMIS- 
ING SALVATION TO THEM THAT PERSEVERE, AND 
THE MEANS OF SALVATION TO THEM THAT PRAY 
WITH CONFIDENCE, TEACHES US TO LEAD THE 
LIFE OF HOPE. 

■ 

1. The voice of Jesus. — Come ye all to Me : have 
confidence : him that comes to Me, I will not cast 
out. 

Hope, therefore, in Me, My Child, and do not 
fear; because I, thy Creator, have redeemed thee, 
and called thee : thou art Mine ; and I am God, 
thy Saviour. 

My Child, hope is the anchor of life : as the an- 
chor secures the ship at sea, so hope makes the soul 
fast in Me. 

All things present are done in the hope of things 
to come. The hearts of mortals, were hope taken 
away, would rest inactive ; they would suffer all 
things to languish, all things to perish. 

Hope is the stimulant of men, it arouses their 
hearts, and goads them on to generous efforts. 

Worldly hope, wavering and worthless, deceives 
28 



330 



THE SECOND BOOK. 



and passes away : divine hope, on the contrary, 
fixed and immovable, resting upon My infallible 
word, sustains him that hopes, and rewards him that 

perseveres. 

The former is wont to beget rashness or dejec- 
tion ; the latter, a humble and steady greatness of 
soul. 

This holy hope thou needest, My Child, to strive 
courageously for the crown, and to bear it off, in 
spite of opposing difficulties. 

Live by hope : cherish reliance on Me, with all 
thy heart. For in Me is all hope of life, virtue, 
holiness. # 

2. The first degree of the life of hope, is when 
man, with a sure reliance, awaits everlasting beati- 
tude, and the means to attain to the same through 
the divine assistance. 

My Child, since My mercy is infinite, no one, in 
this life, should despair. A horrible sin is despair : 
a crime exceedingly insulting to My Heart ; be- 
sides, what can be more hurtful to man himself? 
Despair causes him that stands to fall, — does not 
suffer him that is fallen to rise. 

Nor, on the other hand, is it lawful to indulge in 
presumption. Far, therefore, be it from any one, 
to rely upon himself, and not upon Me, who hum- 
ble them that presume upon themselves, and pro- 
tect them that rely upon Me. 

Take courage, My Child, act manfully : do not 
lose confidence, which has a great reward. For to 



CHAPTER XXIV.v 



331 



them that hope in Me, and labor valiantly unto the 
end, life everlasting is mercifully promised by Me, 
as to My children ; and it will be faithfully given 
to them, according to My promise, — as a reward 
for their own good works and merits. 

3. The second degree of the life of hope is, when, 
amid casual events and things adverse, a person so 
trust? in My most wise .and loving Providence, that, 
after having done, with a good and upright will, 
whatsoever he was able, he confides himself alto- 
gether to Me. 

My Child, when matters do not proceed accord- 
ing to thy wishes, do not meanly give way to despon- 
dency : but cheer up thy spirits, and have recourse 
to My Heart. This thou shalt ever find the Heart 
of the best of fathers ; in It thou shalt ever meet 
with sympathy, help, and inexhaustible goodness. 

Neither allow thy miseries to lessen thy confi- 
dence in Me. The more miserable thou shalt feel, 
the greater reason thou oughtest to have of mis- 
trusting thyself, and of trusting in Me. 

For, distrust in thyself, in order to be good, 
should beget a firm trust in Me. Wherefore, all 
distrust, which produces depression of spirits or 
faintheartedness, should be cast off as a dangerous 
temptation. 

Throw thyself into the bosom of My Providence, 
as a child into the bosom of its parent. He shall 
not perish who is in the arms of such a father as I 
am. 



332 



THE SECOND BOOK. 



It should certainly be a miracle, — such a one as 
never yet has been wrought, nor shall ever be seen, — 
if My Heart were wanting to them that, rely upon 
Its aid, or if It did not hasten to their assistance. 

4. Lastly, the third degree of hope is, when the 
soul, even amidst great obstacles and arduous diffi- 
culties of every kind, trusts in Me with a perfect 
hope; although she does not perceive, except upon 
principles of faith, any means of extricating her- 
self. 

If thou seest not, how thou mayst escape from 
the troubles that rush upon thee ; raise thyself, My 
Child, above all things human, and, with a pure 
hope, intrust thyself wholly to Me: rely altogether 
upon Me, with whom rests both the power to help 
thee, if I so wish, and the will, if it is for thy good. 

The more desperate matters appear, the more 
firmly thou oughtestto hope in Me. For it is a char- 
acteristic of My Heart, to grant more plentiful di- 
vine aid to them that are most forsaken, and have 
recourse to Me with confidence. 

Remember, My Child, that I am wont to defend 
more stoutly, those things which are more violently 
assailed by the demon ; and to strengthen most 
powerfully, that which the foe tries most to tear 
down. 

Courage, then, My Child, what fearest thou ? 
Thou hast God with thee. Be valiant, act with 
confidence, advance boldly. 

If, whithersoever thou turnest thyself, thou 



CHAPTER XXIV. 



333 



thinkesfc ever to perceive a lower deep, keep thyself 
within My arms ; repose upon My Heart, resigned 
to everything. Then only, when thou shalt be 
sufficiently free from all self-reliance and expecta- 
tion, — when, in a human sense, thou shalt deem 
thyself lost, — thou shalt find, in a marvelous man- 
ner, both thyself and Me : thyself saved, and My- 
telf present in person. 

Thenceforth, My Child, behold ! new things loom 
up before thee : thy hope will be heroic, at the same 
time, and delightful : thy confidence in Me full of 
consolation, with peace ever-enduring. 

5. My Child, I know, what is advantageous to 
thee : I can do what thou canst not : suffer Me to 
act: and, praying and hoping, do thou co-operate 
with Me. 

Many there are who, if they obtain not forthwith 
whatsoever they hope or ask for, are cast down and 
become fainthearted. 

My Child, whosoever asks with confidence that 
which is not contrary to his salvation or to My 
honor, always receives. For, either he receives 
what he asks for ; or, in its stead, that which I 
know to be better for him : and, so he receives, 
whenever it is good to receive. Sometimes, the 
objects asked are not refused, but they are delayed • 
that they may be given at the suitable time. 

And, because thou thinkest ofttimes in a hu- 
man manner, imagining that that would be good 
for thee which, however, if thou hadrct it, would not 



# 



334 



THE SECOND BOOK. 



be good ; and, since thou knowest not, in particu- 
lar, what, or how, things are better for thee : there- 
fore, thou shouldst commit thyself to Me, and per- 
severe quietly in asking and hoping. 

There are they who, at first, surrender themselves 
wholly to Me, and afterward, in certain difficulties, 
desire to provide for themselves. These, with My 
permission, are wont to become more entangled in 
those difficulties; that they may learn, in all things, 
to mistrust themselves, and to rely upon Me. 

6. Who has ever vainly trusted in Me? Who 
was ever disappointed in the hope which he placed 
in My Heart ? 

Behold ! by hope My Mother obtained My first 
public miracle, whereby I changed water into wine. 
For, although she saw there was scarcely room for 
expecting the wished-for favor ; yet, knowing My 
Heart, she had confidence, and obtained what she 
desired. 

By hope was the woman, who was troubled with 
an issue of blood, freed from her long ailment. 
For she approached Me with so great a confidence 
that she said : " If I shall touch only His garment, 
I shall be healed." And so she was made whole. 

By hope did the woman of Canaan obtain conso- 
lation, and relief in her affliction. Although her 
confidence and faith were tried, she, increasing in 
faith, trusted, and prayed the more earnestly, that, 
pitying, I might help her. S\e trusted not in vain, 



CHAPTER XXIV. 



335 



she prayed not in vain. For she obtained what she 
asked. 

By hope did Bartimeus, the blind man, receive 
his sight. For he prayed with confidence, crying 
out to Me, as I was passing by : and, when rebuked 
by many, that he should hold his peace, he cried 
out the more : " Jesus, Son of David, have pity on 
me." Wherefore, pitying him, I opened his eyes, 
that he might see. 

By hope was the leper cleansed. " Lord," said 
he, full of faith, "if Thou wilt, Thou cang^t make 
me clean." My Heart, thus appealed to, was moved 
with compassion, and : "I will,'' said I, " be thou 
made clean." And forthwith he was cleansed. 

By hope did Lazarus, — poor and destitute, full 
of ulcers, cast off by the rich man, — persevere with 
holiness in suffering. For he looked up to his re- 
ward : nor in vain. When he died, he was borne 
by Angels into the bosom of Abraham. 

What more ? None ever hoped in Me, and was 
disappointed. Wherefore, My Child, lay aside 
all fear : lay aside distrust ; in life and death give 
thyself up to My Heart. 

7. The voice of the Disciple. — Jesus! how 
good Thou art! how sweet! Yea, Jesus, Thou 
art goodness itself : Thou art very sweetness. 

Jesus, my Saviour ! I will deal confidently 
and not fear, being mindful of Thy Heart ; because 
It is infinitely good, Its mercy endures forever. 

Remember, Jesus meek and humble of Heart, 



336 



THE SECOND BOOK. 



that, in what need soever, no one, who had recourse 
to Thy most loving Heart, was ever rejected or 
sent away empty. Animated with such a confi- 
dence, Jesus, I come to Thee : burdened with 
miseries, I fly to Thee, and, with my miseries, I 
throw myself on Thy Heart. Do not, my God, 
my Father, cast off me, Thy all-unworthy child: 
but give me admittance, I beseech Thee, into Thy 
Heart ; nor suffer me ever to be separated there- 
from. Aid me, I entreat Thee, in all my wants, 
now and forever, but, above all, at the hour of my 
death, most benign ! most compassionate ! 
most sweet Jesus ! 



CHAPTER XXV. 

THAT THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS, ENJOINING 
LOVE ON ALL, TEACHES US TO LEAD A LIFE OF 
DIVINE LOVE. 

1. The voice of Jesus. — My Child, thou shalt love 
the Lord thy God with thy whole heart, and with 
thy whole strength. This is the greatest com- 
mandment. 

I am thy God and thy Lord. By Me thou -Rase 
created: by Me redeemed. 

This, then, is My command, that thou love Me. 
Is it not an easy command ? is it not sweet? is it 



CHAPTER XXV. 



337 



not beneficial ? is it not replenished with every 
good ? 

What is more easy than to love ? Love is the 
life of the heart; without love the heart cannot 
live. Thus was thy heart constituted from the be- 
ginning ; I Myself so created, so formed it. For I 
made thy heart that it may love : but love Me. 

Thou knowest, My Child, who I am, and what 
manner of Heart is Mine. Canst thou find on 
earth, or even in heaven, a sweeter object of love 
than My Heart? Is not My Heart very sweet- 
ness? 

Ask of them that have experienced it : ask the 
Saints, who, inebriated with the sweetness of My 
love, forgot all worldly things, yea, found that 
which was naturally bitter, sweet and full of con- 
solation. 

Ask the Angels, who possess My love, and re- 
joice and exult therein forever. 

Canst thou find in any other object so much bliss- 
fulness for time and for eternity ? What true good 
is there, which thou canst not have in My Heart? 
Enlarge thy heart, as much as thou mayst wish ; 
behold ! all thy desires shall be filled. 

If peace is desired, if consolation, if virtue, if 
perfection, if security in life and in death, if any 
other good : it is found in My Heart, it is obtained 
by loving Me. 

Arouse thy heart, My Child ; love with thy whole 



29 



338 



THE SECOND BOOK. 



heart, cherish with thy whole strength : but love, 
but cherish Me, thy every good. 

Let fear, which contains pain, disappear : let 
faintheartedness, which fetters the heart, vanish 
away : love thou, My Child, and be free: love thou, 
and be happy. 

Live, henceforth, the life of love, as it behooves 
a Disciple of My Heart. 

2. The first degree of the life of divine love is, 
so to love Me, with a love of preference, that thou 
keepest all My commands which oblige under 
grievous sin ; and that thou wouldst, for naught on 
earth, deliberately transgress any one of them. 

He that does not so love Me, remains in death. 
Life and death, divine love and mortal sin, do not 
dwell together in the same heart. 

Deeds are the proof of love. Therefore, who- 
soever keeps My commands, the same loves Me in 
truth. 

By this, then, thou shalt know whether thou 
lovest Me, if thou keepest My commands. 

Now, this degree of love is necessary to all, for 
salvation ; insomuch that, should any one know all 
mysteries and every science ; should he distribute 
all his possessions to feed the poor ; should he give 
up his body to be burned ; should he speak with 
the tongues of Angels, or should he possess any 
other powers whatsoever : and have not this degree 
of divine love, it avails him nothing for life ever- 
lasting. 



CHAPTER XXV. 



339 



Here eternal salvation is at stake. He that loves 
father or mother ; wife or children ; brothers or 
sisters ; possessions, or life itself, more than Me. is 
not worthy of Me, nor fit for the kingdom of 
heaven. 

If thou wilt enter into life everlasting, keep the 
commandments ; avoid mortal sin : whatsoever 
efforts, whatsoever sacrifices it may cost thee. 

3. The second degree of the life of divine love is, 
so to love Me, with a love full of affection and gen- 
erosity, that thou ever seekest effectually to please 
Me ; and wouldst not, for any consideration what- 
soever, offend Me — even by a venial sin. 

Assuredly, My Child, if thou possessest a heart 
worthy of My Disciple, thou wilt ever devote to Me 
thy affections ; thou wilt endeavor, before all others, 
to please Me ; and thou wilt carefully avoid what- 
ever thou knowest to be displeasing to Me. 

Tell Me, what sort of a love that is, which, for 
an empty glory, for a sensual delight, or for any 
other gratification of corrupt nature ; does not hesi- 
tate, — not indeed to nail Me again to the cross, — but 
to mock Me, to wound Me, and to fill Me with 
bitterness. 

If I did not love thee better, if I were not more 
concerned about thee ; what, My Child, should 
become of thee? If, because such, and such other 
things, do not utterly destroy thee, I did overlook 
them, I did not heed them ; what shouldst thou 
have to undergo ? 



340 



THE SECOND BOOK. 



And thou longest for peace ? and for My intimate 
friendship ? and for My consolations ? and freedom 
from danger? Behold! even by venial sin, ihou 
obstructest the source of all these blessings. 

Whence arise thy troubles, — annoyances, anxi- 
eties, dangers, — if not from this, that thou art not 
willing to sacrifice, with a generous heart, those 
things which the divine love demands of thee ? 

Thou callest Me, thy God : thou speakest to Me, 
as thy Father : nay more, thou stylest Me, thy 
Beloved: but, if I am thy God, where is My honor? 
if I am thy Father, where is thy love for Me ? if I 
am thy Beloved, where is thy affection ? where thy 
tenderness ? 

If, formerly, thou didst so offend: if, formerly, 
thou wast all along without affection for Me : now 
at least, be thou zealous for the better gifts ; and I 
will show thee a still more excellent degree. 

4. This is the third degree of the life of love, 
of pure love ; whereby thou lovest Me so perfectly, 
that thou dost will and not will the same with Me ; 
and art thus in all things conformed to the divine 
Will. 

This, My Child, is the perfection of love : this 
is the true union of hearts : this is the life of the 
Saints. 

This pure love will make thee abhor, the same 
things that I abhor : it will make thee delight in 
the same things, wherein I delight. 

For pure love, true union, consists in an effica- 



CHAPTER XXV. 



341 



cious agreement of hearts. Whatever be thy own 
sentiments, if thou dost not will and dislike the 
same with Me ; if thou dost not think the same 
with Me ; if, as far as the divine Will requires, thou 
dost not embrace the same with Me, thy love is not 
pure, thy union is not true. 

Be not troubled, however, My Child, if thou 
findest it sometimes so hard to conform to the di- 
vine Will, that thou appearest to do it, as it were, 
against thy own will. By freely conforming thy- 
self, although with difficulty, thou wiliest effectually 
that which I will. Since, unless thou didst so will, 
thou wouldst not conform thyself ; inasmuch as no 
one can will, against his will. Whence thou per- 
ceivest that the repugnance, which thou feelest, 
resides in the inferior part of the heart. 

5. My Child, pure love directs all things to 
unity. Just as fire changes everything thrown 
upon it into itself. 

The divine Will is the beginning, and the man- 
ner, and the end of all things, which it does or 
suffers. 

It transforms, in some way, all virtues into it- 
self; and ennobles them by its own excellence. 
Whosoever loves purely, for him every virtue is 
love, — and love is every virtue. 

My Child, if thou hast not actually reached this 
oneness of love, use thy endeavors ; accustom thy- 
self to live by love, to act by love, to suffer by love : 
thou shalt attain to it afterwards. 



342 



THE SECOND BOOK. 



6. My Child, love thou this holy love, which 
alone effects many things replenished with sweet- 
ness, and works wonders. 

For it bedews what is parched, it heals what is 
wounded, it bends what is stiff, it warms what is 
cold, it guides what is gone astray. 

It is the light of hearts, the best of consolers, a 
delightful guest of the soul, a sweet refreshment : 
it is rest in toil, it is a tempering in heat, it is a 
comfort in mourning. 

It sanctifies, and elevates innocent souls in a 
wonderful manner. Remember John, the beloved 
Disciple, who, at the Supper, reclined upon My 
Breast ; how, — entranced with love, — he winged 
his flight as the eagle. 

Remember Martha, who ministered to Me ; how, 
inspired with love, like the heliotrope, she was ever 
turned toward Me ; exhaling the fragrance of 
every virtue. 

Remember the holy Virgins consecrated to Me : 
how, raised by love above all things of the world, 
they became a spectacle, wherewith God was de- 
lighted, at which the Angels rejoiced, whereby the 
hearts of mortals were moved toward Me. 

Nay more, this same love covers a multitude of 
sins, destroys them ; and of very sinners makes 
Saints. Witness the Magdalen, who, by purity of 
love, was changed into a new creature, loving with 
seraphic ardor. 

Witness Peter, who, making amends by love 



CHAPTER XXV. 



343 



for his denial, became the Prince of the chosen 
Apostles, the Shepherd of My sheep and lambs, the 
guide of holiness. 

Witness Paul, who, transformed by love, glowing 
with love, ran through the world, like a fire among 
the dry stubble, and spread the flames of love among 
all nations. 

7. My Child, love is learnt by loving s if thou 
desirest to make great progress in the art of divine 
love, love much. 

Do not rest satisfied with a dry love, which pos- 
sesses no unction : cherish a love full of affection. 
It does not, indeed, depend upon thee to feel a 
sensible love ; but if thou dost cherish it, thou canst 
always possess an affectionate love. 

Thou wilt cherish it by praying devoutly, by ask- 
ing frequently for the gift, or the increase of the 
gift, of love ; by conversing with Me, more by 
affection than by reflection, by pouring out the 
heart, rather than by busying the mind before Me. 

Thou wilt cherish it, by possessing a feeling of 
gratitude for all the favors thou hast received from 
Me : life, preservation, all the gifts of nature : re- 
demption, vocation, grace, all the means of salva- 
tion ; in short, all supernatural favors. 

Thou wilt cherish it, by having ever present be- 
fore thy mind, how greatly I have loved thee, how 
much I have done for thee, how much I have suf* 
fered for thee : what I have given for thee, what I 
have prepared for thee in time and eternity : how 



344 



THE SECOND BOOK. 



mercifully, how kindly, how gently, I have so often 
specially dealt with thee. 

Thou wilt cherish it, by remembering who and 
what I am : in whom the Angels and Saints in 
heaven, and the Elect on earth, ever find their 
blessedness : who, — as heaven and earth, and all 
things therein contained, cry out with one consent, 
— deserve to be loved with thy whole heart, with 
all thy strength. 

8. The voice of the Disciple. — Jesus ! O love ! 
what marvelous, what divine, what delightful things 
dost Thou disclose out of Thy Heart ! 

my Saviour God ! who am I, and who art 
Thou ? Would it not be much, yea even too much, 
shouldst Thou merely suflfer Thyself to be loved 
by me ? 

And, — lest, perhaps, I might doubt, whether it 
be allowed to me, a wretched creature, to aspire to 
a place in Thy divine Heart, — Thou hast com- 
manded me to love Thee. love ! prodigy of 
love ! delight ! most sweet Jesus ! 

And shall I not love Thee ? shall I not hold 
Thee. supremely dear? Yea, Jesus, with all my 
heart will I love Thee : with all my strength will I 
cherish Thee. 

All that I am ; all I possess • all Thy gifts and 
blessings ; heaven and earth ; all things incite me 
to love Thee, but naught so much as Thou Thyself, 
— who art the cause and the end, the object and the 
reward of love. 



CHAPTER XXVI. 



345 



Lord Jesus ! I have no other ambition than to 
excel in love for Thee, than to rival the Angels 
themselves in their love for Thee. 

Let others surpass me in all other things: I will 
hear it easily, I will suffer it willingly : but how 
shall I endure this one thing, to be below others in 
love for Thee? how shall I bear it? 

Oh then! Jesus, Beloved of my heart! may I 
become alike to Thee, all love, all one with Thee by 
love. 

my Jesus ! who shall grant me, that I may en- 
kindle the whole world with Thy love ! that I may 
draw the hearts of all to Thee ; inflame them with 
love for Thee ! 

Grant, I beseech Thee, that we all may live by 
love for Thee, and, in Thy love, may spend with 
Thee a blissful eternity. 



CHAPTER XXVI. 

THAT THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS, TEACHES 
US TO EXERT OURSELVES TO MAKE PROGRESS IN 
VIRTUE. 

1. The voice of Jesus. — Behold, My Child, I have 
done all things well. The things which were pleas- 
ing to My Father, I did always. 

Did I ever stand still in those things, so long as 
I lired? Now, then, whosoever desires to remain 



346 



THE SECOND BOOK. 



with Me, must also walk as I did walk. For, if he 
stands still, whilst I am walking, how can he remain 
with Me ? 

My Child, true virtue stands never still in this 
life : for, if it neglects to make further progress, it 
is either a failing or lukewarmness. 

Let him who is just, be justified still : and let 
him who is holy, be still sanctified. 

How much soever, therefore, any one may have 
advanced in virtue, he must and can advance still 
further. For, either something better can be done 
by a person ; or the end of his actions can become 
purer through love, the object of which is infinite : 
or the different circumstances of the actions may 
be performed in a manner more excellent. 

Hence, My Child, if thou examinest thyself with 
an upright heart, thou shalt find sufficient matter 
to humble thyself, when thou findest that thou hast 
often been deficient in some part ; and thou shalt 
have, at the same time, a powerful incentive to 
make progress for love of Me, — who lovingly ap- 
prove, and reward in a liberal manner, whatever is 
good in thy works; who endure, or even pardon, 
when asked in a contrite manner, that which is de- 
fective. 

2. Do not measure thy progress by natural fa- 
cility, or sensible devotion, or any other natural 
disposition whatsoever : all these things are unre- 
liable and deceitful. 

But do thou measure, reliably and safely, thy 



9 



CHAPTER XXVI. 347 

progress in virtue, by the efforts which thou makest, 
generously to overcome or deny thyself for love 
of Me. 

Beware, My Child, lest thou be satisfied with 
virtues merely natural. For these, since they spring 
from nature, can neither bear everlasting fruits, nor 
produce flowers of heaven : and, if they put forth 
any buds, or bear anything, it is only for time, 
which soon vanishes away. 

Every planting which God has not set out ; every 
plant which does not spring from divine grace, — 
shall be rooted up. 

Advance thou toward things more perfect, by 
means of solid and supernatural virtues, which, 
sprung from the principle of grace, become strong 
and perfect by generous and repeated acts, — blos- 
som, and bear fruit exceedingly, for life ever- 
lasting. 

That which is more perfect in itself, is not al- 
ways better for thee : but that is ever more useful 
to thee which proceeds from the divine Will, and, 
by means of true virtues, helps thee to reach thy 
end. 

Some there are who place progress in multiply- 
ing their practices of piety : others make it consist 
in performing different things. And all these, so 
far from making any progress, are not rarely wont 
to go backward ; both because perfection does not 
consist in these things, — as they are simply means 
of perfection ; and because, being hindered by the 



348 



THE SECOND BOOK. 



multiplicity and unsuitableness of the means, they 
are unable to reach the goal. 

3. Assuredly, My Child, more perfect in My 
sight is the simple servant-maid, — who, through 
love for Me, does that which, according to her state 
and employment, the divine Will requires, — than 
the religious person, who, neglectful of the duties 
of her calling and office, passes days and nights in 
prayer, or in shedding tears, through feelings of 
devotion. 

Tf thou desirest to perform thy employment 
properly, first of all, esteem and love it, — not be- 
cause it suits thy inclination, but because it is the 
divine Will, which renders even the least things 
both excellent and precious. For, unless thou 
esteemest the same, thou wilt not long love it: if 
thou dost not love it, thou wilt not long discharge 
it properly; because, — when the understanding and 
will do not help but rather oppose thee, — thou 
canst not long act and suffer in a befitting manner. 

Again, do not have for object, — nor seek in it 
or by it, — thyself, or the gratifications of nature ; 
but Me, and the fulfillment of My Will. 

Moreover, perform all the duties of thy employ- 
ment, firmly indeed in the action, — being intent 
on obtaining the end according to the divine good 
pleasure ; — but gently in the manner, remaining 
ever tranquil in the use of the means. 

Lastly, accustom thyself to do all things belong- 
ing to it for love of Me ; who am present, and ready 



CHAPTER XXVI. 



349 



to direct and help thee in particular circumstances. 
Thus thou wilt perform all more easily and securely, 
and persevere in so doing. 

But whether thou fulfillest the obligations of thy 
state, or appliest thyself to spiritual exercises, let 
thy chief care be, to do all this well. Here lies 
the fruitful field of genuine virtues : here is the 
plentiful harvest of true merits. 

If thou neglectest this, remember, that all other 
extraordinary things are deceitful. Neither mira- 
cles, nor prophecies, nor ecstasies, nor other gifts 
of what kind soever, — shouldst thou possess these, 
— are able to sanctify thee. 

4. My Child, if thou art really solicitous about 
thy progress, thou must will it efficaciously. For 
perfection, and progress therein, after grace, cannot 
come, except from a heart that wills it. 

If thy heart do not will efficiently, no means shall 
ever be able to make thee perfect ; thou canst not 
come to Me by compulsion, but only by affection. 

Call to mind, how many Saints, amidst the great- 
est obstacles, with few outward means, have reached 
the very hight of virtue ; because their heart 
thirsted unceasingly for perfection. 

Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after 
justice ; for they shall have their fill ! If any one 
thirsts after this, let him come to My Heart, and 
drink of the fountain of living water, springing up 
into life everlasting. 

Come, My Child, and taste at this fountain, how 



350 



THE SECOND BOOK. 



pleasant it is to serve Me by love : and as, after 
tasting honey, all other nourishment seems lacking 
in sweetness, so, when thou hast once tasted the 
sweetness of My divine love, all the food of corrupt 
nature will become bitter to thee. 

Pray, My Child, pray fervently, that thou mayst 
be enlightened from above to understand the ex- 
ceeding value of perfection ; and that thou mayst 
be enkindled with a ceaseless longing of attaining 
thereto. 

Frequently, also, call to mind, how many, and 
what powerful incentives urge thee on to greater 

perfection. 

5. The . voice of the Disciple. — Which are those, 
Lord ? 

Tlie voice of Jesus. — Consider, My Child, who 
He is, whom thou servest : how lovely, by reason 
of His infinite perfections, — which ravish the very 
hearts of the inhabitants of heaven ; and thou shalt 
be aroused to My service, so full of love and sweet- 
ness. 

Remember the favors of every kind, which I 
heaped upon thee through pure charity : and, if thy 
heart has not lost all sense of feeling, thou wilt love 
Me, in return, with singular gratefulness. 

Weigh the enormity and multitude of thy sins, 
which I pardoned thee, with a Heart so paternal ; 
and wilt thou think, after this, that thou canst ever 
do enough for Me ? 

Think on the manifold, and continued unhappi- 



CHAPTER XXVI. 



351 



ness of them, that are lying in sin and lukewarm- 
ness ; and again, on the unuttered felieity of them 
that serve Me with fervent love. 

Look upon the marvelous beauty of virtue, and 
the unspeakable ugliness of vice : how the former 
uuites men with Angels, and the latter makes them 
alike to demons. 

Meditate on the shortness of this life, and the 
eternity of the life to come : the certainty of death, 
and the uncertainty of its hour. 

Ponder, with mind and heart, what it is to be in 
hell without end : what it means, to be in heaven 
throughout all eternity : and remember that the 
one or the other awaits thee. 

My Child, if thou dost frequently, and attentively 
consider these things, so as to keep them ever fresh 
before thee ; thou wilt hasten on to further pro- 
gress. 

6. But in many ways is a person turned away 
from progress. For the most part, however, he be- 
gins to go astray, either because he suffers the love 
of Me to grow lukewarm in his heart, — by neglect- 
ing the fervent practices of an inward life ; or be- 
cause, for the sake of indulging nature, he refuses 
to overcome or deny himself in some thing. 

There are some, who do not, indeed, forsake the 
road of progress ; but who, in various ways, retard 
their successful career. In this manner do they 
stand still, who, whilst they should he hastening 
onward, squander their time, in looking, with self- 



352 



THE SECOND BOOK. 



delight, over the distance which they have already- 
passed. 

My Child, forget the things which are behind, 
being certain to whom thou hast intrusted them : 
and pass over the remainder of thy journey with 
unwearied steps. 

They, also, are hindered from advancing, who 
proceed so cautiously, that they appear desirous of 
examining, at every step, where to set their foot. 
But, My Child, trust thou rather in Me than in thy- 
self; and, using a reasonable diligence, with a cour- 
ageous effort of divine love, fly thou forward through 
every obstacle toward thy end. 

They too are kept back, who frighten the ima- 
gination, and fetter the heart by future difficulties, 
which, perhaps, will never occur ; so that, through 
fear and faintheartedness, they hardly dare or can 
move. My Child, sufficient for the day is the evil 
thereof: to-day, therefore, advance thou cheer- 
fully : leave the future to-morrow to Me : I will 
provide. 

7. Remember, My Child, that, by the weight of 
nature, thou art ever prone to a certain inactivity, 
or indolent repose. Often, therefore, thou must 
stir up the will by the fervor of the spirit, and take 
fresh courage. 

If thou yieldest to this natural indolence, if thou 
givest up the efficacious will of perfection, thou 
wilt no longer perform anything worthy of a Pis- 



CHAPTER XXVI. 



353 



ciple of My Heart : thou slialt begin to grow slug- 
gish, to fall away, to be filled with miseries, and to 
experience unhappiness. 

A soul possessed of a resolute will, fervent and 
cheerful, acquires in a few months, that degree of 
virtue, to which a slothful soul, ever in distress and 
groaning, cannot attain in many years. 

My Child, if thou possessest a determined will 
of always advancing, thou hast reason to rejoice 
exceedingly. For a good will of this sort, is a man- 
ifest proof of the divine friendship. And this is 
the sweetest and, at the same time, the most solid 
of all consolations. 

8. The voice of the Disciple. — good Master, 
most sweet Jesus, model of every virtue ! I feel 
wholly confounded, for that I have not yet taken 
pains to conform myself perfectly to Thee, although. 
I have long made profession of being Thy Disciple. 

Have pity on me, Lord ; suffer not, I beseech 
Thee, that I succumb to lukewarmness, yield to 
natural indolence, or be impeded by any other 
hindrance : but arouse me, goad me on, impel me 
by Thy grace. 

Grive me the fervor of Thy Heart ; kindle in my 
heart the fire, which Thou earnest to cast on earth • 
that I may love Thee more ardently, that I may be 
more perfectly conformed to Thee, that I may fol- 
low Thee more closely. 

Renew me wholly, I entreat Thee ; take away 
30 



354 



THE SECOND BOOK. 



niy slothful and wretched spirit, and enliven me 
with Thy Spirit, — the Spirit of an everglowing love, 
ever cheerful, — that never suffers me to grow slug- 
gish, but urges me on strongly and gently to a more 
perfect Imitation of Thyself, — who alone art the 
way and the goal of everlasting bliss. 



DIRECTORY FOR THE THIRD BOOK. 



1. The aim of the Third Book is, to teach us 
how to tend to that holiness, which is called per- 
fection. This holiness is acquired by virtues which 
are, in some manner, heroic ; such as are usually 
practiced by them that bear their sufferings with 
the proper disposition of heart. Certain it is, as is 
proved by the example of all the Saints, that no 
one ever attained to true sanctity, if he did not 
practice solid, and in some manner heroic, virtues 
in suffering. And this is not to be understood of 
those Saints only, whom the Church has canonized, 
but of all those as well, who, although not canon- 
ized, strove to acquire that sanctity, which Christ 
Our Lord taught to all by His word and example ; 
and which each one's mode of life may enable him 
to reach. Of all these noble virtues, whereby sanc- 
tity is acquired, Jesus, in His suffering life, fur- 
nishes us the most beautiful living examples, full 
of encouragement and consolation. In His active 
life, the virtues of His Heart do, indeed, shine forth 
clearly and constantly; and, gently and powerfully 
at the same time, persuade and allure him, who 
meditates thereon, to a proper imitation of them : 
but, in His suffering life, they glitter with all their 
perfection and splendor, and do not merely attract 

(355) 



356 DIRECTORY FOR THE THIRD BOOK. 



the person who meditates, but they also forcibly 
stimulate and urge him ooward. Therefore, it is 
useful, that we should first have meditated on His 
active life, and become initiated in the virtues of 
His Heart, when acting; and that we should even 
have made some progress therein, lest the grandeur 
and sublimity of the virtues of His suffering Heart 
might frighten or discourage us. 

Now, this sanctity has two degrees: and each de- 
gree contains three methods. 

In the first degree, all those things, which can- 
not be avoided, are religiously endured : according 
to the first method, they are endured with patience; 
according to the second, with agreement of our will 
with that of God ; according to the third, with a 
certain supernatural joy. 

In the second degree, all those things are en- 
dured, which may, in some manner, be avoided ; 
but which, when offered, are accepted with a free 
will, or are voluntarily sought after and assumed. 
And, by conformity of our will to the divine Wilt, 
all these things are borne ; first, through love of 
Jesus, for some supernatural end ; for example, to 
make amends for the insults offered to Him, for 
the conversion of sinners, for the perseverance of 
the just, for the obtaining of this or that good ; 
secondly, through a desire of conformity with Jesus, 
and of the fruits to be gathered from this conform- 
ity so holy and so full of love; thirdly, through the 
purest love, so that, laying aside, as far as we may, 



DIRECTORY FOR THE THIRD BOOK. 357 



every private consideration, we become uniform 
with Jesus, and thus well-pleasing to Him. 

2. Be persuaded that, in whatsoever state or con- 
dition of life you may be, you will really become a 
Saint, if you suffer rightly those things, which the 
Lord will give you to suffer. For, if you merit 
and make progress by every single act of a common 
or ordinary virtue, how much more will you gain 
and advance by acts of heroic virtue ; — such as are 
frequently wont to be performed in times of mis- 
fortune ! 

Remember what it is you merit by every act of 
an ordinary virtue, when rightly performed in the 
state of grace : first, a new degree, or increase of 
sanctifying grace, — which you receive immediately, 
and whereby you become more perfect in yourself, 
and dearer to the Lord : again, at the same time, a 
new and corresponding degree of glory or everlast- 
ing bliss, — which you shall receive in heaven, 
where it is treasured up and awaiting you. And 
these two you gain condignly, that is, according to 
merit ; so that they are justly due to you, accord- 
ing to that promise, by which God has, freely in- 
deed, but truly, obligated Himself. This kind of 
merit, which is strictly called merit, is personal, 
and not communicated with others. 

Moreover, you can merit a certain degree or 
special help of actual, even emcacious grace, — 
whereby the understanding is enlightened and di- 
rected, and the will encouraged and strengthened 



358 DIRECTORY FOR THE THIRD BOOK. 



to avoid evil, and to do good : and over and above, 
as it were, a part of the great gift of final perse- 
verance. But these two -you can only merit con- 
gruously, or according to propriety, — so that they 
are never due to you by justice, but simply by a 
suitableness or becomingness, and by the divine 
liberality. For to these Grod has not bound Him- 
self by any promise. As, however, He is supremely 
liberal, it is befitting in Him, that even so He re- 
ward our supernatural acts : neither has He given 
us any reason for fearing that we shall be disap- 
pointed. In this wise you cannot only merit these 
two for yourself, but also for others. 

Now, these degrees, which you merit through 
virtue, may be greater or smaller, — according as 
the meritorious acts are more or less perfect. For 
it may happen, that one heroic act, whereby, with 
a noble and generous heart, you sacrifice or endure 
something perfectly, merits more for you, than a 
hundred, a thousand or even more ordinary acts. 
And, indeed, St. Chrysostom asserts, that holy Job, 
by the one act whereby, amid- his misfortunes, he 
conformed himself to the Will of God, merited 
more than by all the acts which he performed 
throughout the whole of his previous life, in the 
days of his prosperity. 

We should be mindful of these things, during 
our short-lived existence, which has been granted 
us, that we may gather merits for all eternity. For 
they will help us to avoid those delusions which 



DIRECTORY FOR THE THIRD BOOK. 359 

are peculiar to this part of the interior life. Of 
which this one is wont to be the more common : 
To hearken too much to the feelings or repugnances 
of nature, thus fixing our attention on the second- 
ary causes of our afflictions, and to decline, under 
some pretext or other, the sufferings presented to 
us by Our Lord, or at least bear them with an ill- 
disposed heart ; or even to seek another way than 
the one through which Jesus Himself walked, — 
which He smoothed for us, by which He calls us, 
that with all His Saints we may follow Him with 
the same disposition of heart with which He has 
gone before us. 

3. Wherefore, when you are occupied with the 
things treated in this Book, you should assidu- 
ously look and aim at this, that you understand, as 
perfectly as you can, not only the unspeakable af- 
flictions and sorrows of the Son of Grod ; but, espe- 
cially, the affections and dispositions of His Heart. 
For here a measureless treasure lies concealed, 
which a diligent and fervent searcher alone can find 
and explore. The more attentively and devotedly 
you shall meditate on the Heart of your suffering 
Lord, the more perfect things you shall find, and 
the more possessions you shall acquire. 

4. The method of using this Book, — beside the 
two given before the First Book, and which may 
also be employed here, — is of two kinds : both of 
which are placed before the Second Book, and which 



360 DIRECTORY FOR THE THIRD BOOK. 



are here adapted to the meditation or contemplation 
of the Passion of Jesus Christ. 

In meditating, therefore, let the memory propose 
some virtue, according to the particular period of 
the Passion of our Lord : and let it remember the 
same after the meditation, so that you may be able 
suitably to practice it. 

Let the understanding meditate on the virtue, — 
examining its causes and ends, its modes and its 
circumstances : considering with what dispositions 
of Heart Jesus practiced that virtue : then compare 
the state of your heart in its regard I afterward, 
look back and examine your past life concerning 
the same ; return thanks, and ask for perseverance, 
if hitherto you have duly practiced it : if the con- 
trary, make an act of contrition, and, through the 
suffering Heart of Jesus, ask for pardon : finally, 
look to the future and see when, and how, you may 
practice this same virtue. 

Let the will embrace the virtue, perform interior 
acts of it, and resolve to practice it, both inwardly 
and outwardly, at the proper time ; frequently in- 
sisting, meanwhile, on pious affections and pe- 
titions. 

But in contemplating, see what Jesus suffers, and 
under what circumstances, in this mystery, or par- 
ticular subject: who He is that thus suffers, from 
whom, and for whom. 

Afterwards, give ear to the words which Jesus 



DIRECTORY FOR THE THIRD BOOK. 361 



there utters ; or observe how He is silent, and in- 
teriorly pours forth the prayers of His Heart to 
God the Father. 

Lastly, look devoutly and attentively into the 
Heart of Jesus; see how that Heart is disposed, 
from which things so heroic proceed. And through- 
out the contemplation, as much as you can, give 
yourself up to pious effusions of heart, both by acts 
and petitions. 

The acts in which you employ yourself, during 
meditation or contemplation, may be various or dif- 
ferent ; according as you feel affected, or according 
as you may need, or even according as you may be 
moved interiorly by the Spirit of God. 

You may usefully exercise your faith, and fre- 
quently excite lively acts of it, by acknowledging 
in every mystery Jesus as God, and by adoring Him 
in His humiliations and sufferings, by which the- 
Divinity, in some manner, hides itself for love 
of us. 

It will also help, often and sweetly to indulge in 
hope, being persuaded that if, by a gratuitous love, 
the Lord did and endured so much in order to save 
you when every way undeserving ; now, that you 
are willing to co-operate, He will not refuse you 
what is beyond comparison less, namely, the means 
of salvation and perfection. 

Your heart will, in some manner, spontaneously, 
be enkindled with love for Jesus, your God and 
Saviour, when you see how He suffers for love of 
31 



362 



DIRECTORY FOR THE THIRD BOOK. 



you. For, since He suffered and died for all and 
every one, each one can and must truly say : 
" Jesus loved me, and delivered Himself up for me." 
(Gal. ii. 20.) 

Frequently occupy your heart with abhorrence 
and detestation of sin ; seeing what torments the 
Son of God endured for it in His most sacred Hu- 
manity. 

Hatred for the wicked world will spring up in 
your heart, if you attend to what, and how im- 
mensely, Jesus suffered from the same world. 

Compassion for Jesus suffering will take wholly 
possession of you, if you look at Him with a de- 
voted and sympathizing heart. 

You will feel a fervent zeal to compensate for 
the affronts so unworthily offered to Him ; for 
which end you will frequently offer up your own 
pious desires, good works, and sufferings. 

You should, above all, study attentively in each 
mystery the dispositions and sentiments of the 
Heart of Jesus suffering, and make the same your 
own. For, unless you do this, you may indeed 
meditate on the Passion of Jesus, but you cannot 
imitate His Heart : you may indeed suffer, but you 
cannot suffer profitably: you may be burdened with 
the cross, but you cannot follow Jesus. 

The petitions, which it is proper to make, may 
be various, as well as different. Yea, the objects 
of the petitions have so wide a scope, that it is 
not easy to find a limit for them. For you may 



DIRECTORY FOR THE THIRD BOOK. 363 



ask for the gift, or for an increase, of faith, hope, 
charity ; of horror of sin and detestation of the 
world ; of compassion for Jesus and zeal for His 
honor ; lastly, of all virtues and graces ; and this 
not for yourself alone, but also for every one of 
your neighbors, — as was said before the Second 
Book, and is here repeated, in order to impress 
deeply on the mind that which cannot be too much 
inculcated, that the affections or acts of virtues and 
petitions are of the utmost importance ; since from 
them, after grace, the unction of prayer and its 
chief fruit are wont to be derived. 

5. As regards the discernment of spirits, the fol- 
lowing rules, which are here peculiarly appropriate, 
are given by the Saints. 

The first. That is properly called spiritual con- 
solation, when interiorly there is excited some 
emotion, whereby the soul is enkindled with divine 
love ; whether directly, — as when she is inflamed 
with the love of God on account of the divine good- 
ness ; or whether indirectly, as when she is moved 
to the divine love by considering the Passion of 
Jesus Christ, or by sorrow for sins committed 
against the Lord, or by any other cause whatsoever, 
— rightly ordered to the service of God. Again, 
every increase of faith, of hope, of charity, is also 
a spiritual consolation. Lastly, every inward joy, 
which stirs up the soul to supernal things, to salva- 
tion and perfection, and renders her tranquil in the 
Lord, is likewise a spiritual consolation. 



364 DIRECTORY FOR THE THIRD BOOK. 



The second. Whatever is contrary to the things 
pointed out in the preceding rule, is called spiritual 
desolateness : as a darkening of the soul, disturb- 
ance, or a certain sluggishness ; an agitation which 
moves her to diffidence, which opposes hope or 
charity ; finally, any instigation to the low things 
of nature, interior sadness, — which makes the mind 
dejected or restless. 

The third. To God alone it belongs to give con- 
solation to the soul, without any preceding cause : 
since it is peculiar to the Creator to enter His 
creature, to draw, to turn, to change it wholly to 
the love of Himself. And then do we say, that no 
cause precedes, when the consolation is imparted 
without any previous feeling or thought of any ob- 
ject, whence such a consolation might come to the 
soul by the acts of her own understanding or will. 

The fourth. When a cause of consolation did 
precede, then the evil as well as the good Spirit 
can, in some manner, give consolation to the soul, 
but for contrary ends : the good one, for the ad- 
vancement of the soul, that she may act rightly, 
and ascend from good to better ; but the evil one, 
for the opposite, that she may be perverted and 
ruined. 

The fifth. In time of desolateness, no change should 
ever be made : but we must stand, firmly and manfully, 
in the intentions and resolves, in which we were 
during the time that preceded this kind of deso- 
lateness. Because, as, during spiritual consolation, 



DIRECTORY FOR THE THIRD ROOK. 365 



the good Spirit is more wont to move us, and we 
also use more readily our natural powers ; so, in 
time of desolateness, the evil spirit does rather stir 
us up, at whose instigation, — whilst our faculties 
are more or less impeded, — we can hardly take safe 
counsels to act rightly. 

The sixth. Although, in time of desolateness, we 
ought not to change our former resolutions, yet it 
is very useful to change our manner of acting, so 
that we may fight against the desolateness itself ^ 
first, hy giving ourselves more to prayer; secondly, 
by examining ourselves the more, in order to hum- 
ble and throw ourselves into the divine mercy of 
the Heart of J esus ; thirdly, by exercising our- 
selves more, in performing works of penance or 
charity in a prudent manner. 

The seventh. He, who suffers from desolateness, 
should remember, that he is being tried by our 
Lord, left to his own natural powers with an ordi- 
nary grace, and also a special one, although not 
sensible; that thus, by resisting the various instiga- 
tions of the enemy, he may display the fidelity of 
his love. For he is able to resist, with the divine 
grace, which remains with him, — although he does 
not sensibly experience the same. 

And let him, who enjoys consolation, consider 
how he will conduct himself in the desolateness 
which is about to come upon him : let him gather 
new strength to bear up against future desolateness: 
let him strive to humble himself at the thought of 



366 DIRECTORY FOR THE THIRD BOOK. 



how little he is able to do, when not specially and 
sensibly assisted by our Lord. 

Finally, let him who is in desolateness, as well as 
the one who is in consolation, take care to apply 
himself to acquire, or to strengthen, solid virtues, 
and thus sanctify himself. 

St. Igxat., St. Bonaventube, St. Mary Magd. of Pazzi. 



THE THIRD BOOK. 



ADMONITIONS USEFUL TO IMITATE THE 
MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS, IN HIS 
LIFE OF SUFFERING-. 

CHAPTER L 

HOW GREATLY WE SHOULD ESTEEM HOLINESS, 
AND HOW MUCH WE SHOULD STRIVE AETER IT. 

1. The voice of Jesus. — Be thou holy, My Child, 
because I am holy. Whosoever longs to be a per- 
fect Disciple of My Heart, strives to become holy, 
as I also am holy, by an interior, true and solid 
holiness. 

Holiness is a great good, it contains all blessings 
desirable upon earth, and begets everlasting bliss in 
heaven. 

Holiness is the completion of virtue, the guard- 
ian of sanctifying grace, the preserver of inward 
peace, the nurse of the heart's joy, and of ever-en- 
during happiness. 

Holiness is true wisdom, real glory, inexhausti- 
ble wealth. 

To be the least of the Saints is something incom- 
parably greater, than to be the greatest of the whole 
world. 

(387) 



368 



THE THIRD BOOK. 



What is there in this world that can justly be 
compared with holiness ? not science, not dignity, 
not renown, not the possession of all riches. For all 
these things are only of earth, they last but for a mo- 
ment ; like vapors in the air, they glisten and soon 
disappear. But holiness is heaven-born and per- 
manent, it glitters before the inhabitants of heaven 
like the sun ; yea, when the sun fades away, it shall 
continue to shine for evermore. 

Let not, then, the wise man glory in his wisdom, 
let not the strong man glory in his strength, let not 
the rich man glory in his wealth : but he that glo- 
ries, let him glory in this, that he knows and loves 
Me ; that, through love, he follows Me, and thus 
sanctifies himself. 

My Child, if thou understandest not these things 
at present, thou shalt understand them later, even 
in spite of thyself, — when, at the near approach of 
death, thou shalt entertain more correct sentiments. 

Tell Me, if this day thou hadst to die, which 
wouldst thou rather desire, to be a Saint, or to 
have been a king or a Pope ? Would to God, — 
exclaimed, when dying, one who had been a ruler, 
and had some experience in the matter,— would to 
God that I had never been a ruler, but, in its stead, 
the least of God's holy servants ! Would, sighed 
another, that I had net worn the tiara, but had 
passed my life in the kitchen of some house conse- 
crated to God ! 

Thou canst not value holiness too highly, since I 



CHAPTER I. 



389 



Myself have held it in such esteem that, to make it 
possible and easy, I poured out the treasures of My 
Heart, multiplied the means at My greatest costs, 
and ordered all things for the sanctification of the 
Elect. 

Do thou, therefore, aspire to so great a good, My 
Child : and strive, magnanimously, to become a 
Saint. 

2. The voice of the Disciple. — I become a Saint, 
Lord ! Ah me, Lord Jesus ! for that, I have sinned 
too much during my life, And would it not be 
pride, to feel such a presumption? and moreover, 
I am so weak, that I am unable to perform any- 
thing worthy of sanctity. 

Hie voice of Jesus. — Dost thou say these things 
of thyself, My Child, or have others suggested it 
to thee ? If of thyself, thou art mistaken : if at 
the suggestion of others, thou hast been deceived. 

And first, if thou hast sinned during thy life, be- 
hold ! this is a new reason, why thou shouldst sanc- 
tify thyself, that thus, by the future, thou mayst 
make amends for the past. 

But, My Child, there is no question of what thou 
hast been, but of what thou oughtest to be here- 
after. 

How many souls there are that, after having 
committed sins, have reached, in a shorter time, a 
higher degree of perfection, than others that have 
ever remained innocent ! and this, because they 
used the remembrance of the sins which they had 



370 



THE THIRD BOOK. 



unfortunately committed, and which had been most 
mercifully forgiven by Me. as a spur, to urge and 
goad themselves on to sanctity. 

The sins that have been committed are, there- 
fore, not only no hindrances, but, if thou art will- 
ing, may be instruments of holiness. 

Besides, My Child, to strive after the perfection 
of virtue, to aspire to sanctity, is not pride nor 
presumption, but greatness, but nobleness of soul, 
without which no one is worthy to be a Disciple of 
My Heart, 

These things I say : and take heed which of the 
two thou wilt believe, Me, or the spirit, thy enemy, 
who suggests the contrary. 

Beware, My Child, lest, after being deluded, thou 
become fainthearted, and, consequently, incapable 
of aspiring to those things, which alone are most 
deserving of the aspirations of every noble heart. 

Raise thy courage, cast aside all littleness of 
heart, and cherish sentiments worthy of a Disciple 
of My Heart. 

Lastly, if thou art weak, am not I strong? if 
thou canst not undergo austerities, art thou unable 
to love ? if thou canst not act, art thou unable to 
suffer ? Now, it is most of all by loving and by 
suffering that holiness is acquired. 

It is not by extraordinary -works, not by mira- 
cles ; but, by love, a patient love, that the sanctifi- 
eation of the soul is chiefly promoted. 

Endeavor, for love of Me, to suffer patiently 



CHAPTER I. 



371 



whatsoever I Myself may choose, and give thee to 
endure : and, behold ! thou shalt become a Saint. 

If the things, which the world calls great, could 
be acquired with as much facility, what worldling- 
would not secure their possession ? 

3. A constant desire of making progress, a con- 
tinual striving after holiness, is rightly thought to 
constitute man's sanctity in this life. 

None is perfect in holiness, who does not exert 
himself to become more perfect : and the more one 
aims at greater perfection, the more holy does he 
prove himself to be. 

Wherefore, My Child, the perfection of holiness 
is not the work of a day or a week. Do not, then, 
imagine that thou shalt be perfect in so short a 
time. For, by expecting this, and finding thyself 
afterward disappointed, thou mightest lose heart, or 
even be dangerously tempted to desist from further 
attempts. 

Perfection is the joint work of divine grace and 
man's co-operation. 

Now, the goodness of My Heart, which wills that 
thou shouldst be a Saint, is much more inclined 
bountifully to bestow grace upon thee, than thou 
art to ask for the same : nay, even of Its own accord, 
It pours grace upon thee. 

The more faithfully, therefore, thou co-operatest 
with grace, the shorter the time in which thou shalt 
gain possession of sanctity. 

4. If thou hast a constant and effectual will of 



372 



THE THIRD BOOK. 



sanctifying thyself, naught can hinder thee from 
becoming a Saint. 

Whatever may be thy natural inclination, thou 
wilt acquire holiness, not by the disposition of thy 
character, but by the co-operation with grace 
through thy free will. 

Neither thy character, nor thy state of life, nor 
thy employment, will hinder thee, if, with a gener- 
ous fidelity of heart, thou co-operatest with divine 
grace. Behold ! great multitudes, which no one 
can count, have, by this fidelity, sanctified them- 
selves in the religious state ; and millions have be- 
come Saints, even in the midst of the world. By 
tliis fidelity, a Henry became a Saint in the camp; 
a Casimir, at the Court ; an Elzear, amid inter- 
course with the world ; an Isidore, in the fields : 
an Agnes, in the city ; a Mary, in the country ; a 
Catharine, in her father's house ; a Christiana, in 
bondage. 

Neither does holiness depend on being inscribed 
in the Catalogue of the Blessed or Saints ; because 
this does not make the Saint, but simply declares 
to men that he was such. If thou art a Saint in 
heaven; being perfectly conformed to the divine 
good pleasure, thou wilt, of thyself, care little 
whether or not thy name is found on earth regis- 
tered in the Canon. 

Neither, in fine, can temptations and difficulties 
present an obstacle. For., whatsoever hell can con- 
trive, whatsoever the world may attempt against 



CHAPTER I. 



373 



thee, all this, if thou art willing, shall be made to 
contribute to thy sanctification. 

5. It is indeed true, that he who desires to ac- 
quire holiness should avoid all. even the slightest, 
sins : but involuntary faults, which arise from hu- 
man frailty, are no hindrances to perfection. 

Even the greatest Saints were not altogether free 
from such miseries : and, so long as they lived upon 
earth, they experienced the frailty of their human 
nature. 

Be not, then, troubled and uneasy about these 
things, wherein the will does not consciously take 
any part : a person may be very perfect, although 
he frequently offends involuntarily. 

According to the example of the Saints, lessen 
involuntary defects as much as thou canst, and, with 
quiet love, humble thyself before Me for these 
faults : in this manner thou wilt derive profit from 
them for thy progress. 

6. This being so, My Child, hearken thou to 
none who, under some pretense or other, may turn 
thee from the pursuit of holiness, — neither to thy- 
self, nor to any mortal, nor any spirit whatsoever. 
But, with a generous mind, that knows not de- 
spondency, continue to strive after interior sanctity. 

This sanctity is so important a matter, so full of . 
honor, and so grateful to Me, that sometimes one 
soul, thus sanctifying herself interiorly, glorifies 
Me more, — is more pleasing to Me, and possesses 
more influence over My Heart, — than a thousand 



374 



THE THIRD BOOK. 



others, that, although good, rest satisfied with an 
ordinary virtue. 

Know thou, My Child, that holiness, to a certain 
degree, is really necessary to be admitted into the 
presence of the divine Majesty ; because, without 
holiness, none shall see G-od. 

If thou dost not attain to this necessary holiness 
in the present life, thou must be purified with fire 
unto holiness in the life to come, before thou en- 
terest heaven, — into which naught, except what is 
holy, can gain admittance. 

Yet, for thy con-solation, remember, My Child, 
that, if thou keepest a good and efficacious will of 
really sanctifying thyself, thou shalt not taste death, 
until thou hast acquired sanctity. 

Meanwhile, never think that thou hast already 
attained to holiness, or that thou art perfect : but 
do thou ever advance and pursue the destined prize 
of thy supernal vocation. 

Be of good courage, My Child, dare thou things 
worthy of a Disciple of My Heart : vie in zeal with 
the Saints, thy noble brothers and sisters. What 
thou art, they have been : what they are, thou 
canst be. 

7. The voice of the Disciple. — I then, Lord 
Jesus, even I, the least of men, must and can be- 
come a Saint. 

Yea I must; because Thou commandest me so; 
because I am obliged to correspond to so many 
singular favors and graces, which Thou hast be- 



CHAPTER I. 



375 



stowed upon me ; because I aui bound to satisfy, as 
much as I am able, the unutterable obligations, 
which I owe to Thee, for the mercy shows to me 
after my many sins ; because I must have a care of 
my salvation, and prepare myself for heaven ; but, 
more than all, because Thou art supremely worthy 
of all love and honor. 

And I can ; because Thou givest me abundant 
and efficac' )us means ; because Thou, ready to sup- 
ply all the rest, demandest naught, except that I 
make the attempt with a sincere will ; because no- 
thing can hinder me, unless I myself so will it ; be- 
cause all things whatsoever, if I will, can help me 
and cause me to advance ; because, finally, the 
whole work of my sanctification is simply a labor 
of love, of love for Thee, of a love which renders 
all things possible, easy, delightful. 

Therefore, I long to be a Saint, not that, on earth, 
I may be numbered among the Saints, but that, in 
heaven, I may glorify Thee among the Elect : not 
so much through fear of pain or hope of reward, 
as through love for Thee, most kind and sweet Je- 
hus' — that I may the more love Thee, the more 
honor Thee, now and for evermore. 

Behold ! Lord Jesus, I have the will to be- 
come a Saint ; so long as I draw breath, I shall not 
cease to will it : I beg and entreat Thee, by Thy 
most Sacred Heart, help my good will. 



376 



THE THIRD BOOK. 



CHAPTER II. 

THAT IN THIS LIFE NO ONE CAN LIVE WITHOUT 
SUFFERING. 

1. The voice of Jesus. — My Child, so long as 
thou livest upon earth, thou canst not be free from 
troubles. 

What is this whole mortal life except affliction ; 
which man enters weeping, through which he passes 
amid sufferings, from which he departs groaning ? 

Since man is born subject to death, it is not pos- 
sible that he should pass his life without pain ; be- 
cause the source of suffering lies within himself. 

The very condition of being subject to death, 
naturally begets many and various miseries, dis- 
eases, and sufferings ; which cannot cease to exist, 
so long as that fruitful and effective cause remains. 

All these things, however, manifold and irksome 
though they be, are of less importance. For, from 
the very bottom of corrupt nature worse things 
spring up, — inordinate and perverse desires, which 
force man to feel, in spite of himself, that which he 
would fain not feel. 

These are the passions, the sources of so many 
sufferings, which, inherent in the very heart, dis- 
turb the peace of many; which excite wars, horrid 
wars ; which, by conflicting emotions, expose the 
soul to uncounted dangers and sorrows. 



CHAPTER II. 



377 



2. And how numerous are the torments, which 
befall man from without, and which none can wholly 
escape ! 

Cold and heat, the difference of temperature, the 
thousand inconveniences arising from creatures, and 
many other effects of physical causes, which, al- 
though they contribute to the general well-being, 
yet, — through man's fault, in the state of fallen na- 
ture, and in the present order of things, — cannot be 
brought about, without some trouble to individuals. 

And, amid all this, what mortal is not ofttimes 
burdened by labor, without which none can dwell 
here below, unless he be willing to be burdened 
still more. 

Add and count up, if thou canst, the sorrows and 
calamities of every kind, which arise from the pas- 
sions of others : and thou shalt behold on all sides 
troubles, which, unless thou overcome them, will 
overwhelm thee. 

3. Indeed, My Child, since this mortal life is re- 
plete with hardships so numerous and so great, to 
not a few it would appear almost unbearable, if the 
spirit of religion did not suggest reasons for patience, 
and My Heart did not render it smooth, by the 
unction of grace. 

Neither has all the wisdom of this world, — al- 
though it has uttered many beautiful sayings con- 
cerning endurance and suffering, — ever been able 
to invent and afford a remedy for them. 

How many there have been who, whilst endeav- 
32 



378 



THE THIRD BOOK. 



oring to teach others, by discoursing eloquently on 
the endurance of afflictions, were themselves un- 
done by afflictions ! 

Hence, what wonder that those, who are devoid 
of the spirit of religion and strangers to My Heart, 
— whether through unbelief or corruption, — should, 
at last, despair amid their troubles, and their reason 
being blinded, should wickediy terminate their 
miseries by the greatest of all — an everlasting mis- 
fortune ! 

But religion renders all troubles both bearable 
and useful ; since it teaches that, through the con- 
soling effect of the wisdom and goodness of My 
Heart, that which was a just punishment of sin, 
and a just cause of grief to man, becomes a whole- 
some remedy against sin, and a plentiful harvest 
of merits. 

The furnace tests metals. Fire hardens clay, 
but softens wax. The storm throws down the plant, 
but renders the tree, that is well-rooted, more firm. 

So also, My Child, does tribulation try men. Af- 
fliction hardens the one, it softens the other. Op- 
position casts down some, it makes others more 
solid. 

Affliction would lead all to bliss, if all were to 

receive it properly. If, on its account, any one 
hastens on to destruction, it is his own fault, since, 
rightly borne, it would prove a sure road to sanc- 
tity, and, consequently, to true happiness. 

4. But behold! My Child, every affliction has 



CHAPTER II. 



379 



become much lighter and more consoling, since, by 
My own afflictions, I sanctified affliction, and walk 
before those who suffer affliction, — as well by the 
example of My life, as by the promise of reward, 
and the aid and consolation of grace. 

By My example the Saints learnt the secret of 
suffering rightly, and the art of converting evil 
into good. 

Hence they learnt, by experience, that afflictions 
were even sweet to them, and derived such a long- 
ing to suffer for love of Me, that they were unwil- 
ling to live without suffering, and overflowed with 
joy in their every tribulation. 

Canst not thou also aspire to the like, My Child? 
Is not this My interest as well as thy own? What 
fearest thou ? Behold ! no afflictions can reach 
thy heart if they have not first passed through 
Mine : and, by so doing, they lose all their power 
of hurting, and become imbued with the divine 
virtue of consolation. 

5. Take heed, My Child, lest by the sourness of 
thy heart thou imbitter afflictions, when they come 
from My Heart imbued with sweetness. 

Suffering is necessary : there is no choice : but 
whether to suffer well, or ill, whether after the 
manner of the Elect, or after that of the reprobate, 
whether for thy sanctification or for thy condemna- 
tion, this is optional with thee, this My Child, de- 
pends upon thy choice. 



380 



THE THIRD BOOK. 



Prepare thyself : nay, be ready for annoyances, 
which, cease not to occur, and shall never cease. 

Do not believe, that thou shalt ever have a day 
without some trouble ; since there can never be a 
day, without its supply of malice. 

Neither do thou imagine, that with whatsoever 
efforts thou mayst make, thou shalt be enabled to 
escape. Even if thou withdraw into the wilderness 
alone, or cross the sea, or hide thyself in the utter- 
most boundaries of the earth, misery shall be thy 
companion everywhere, and shall ever follow thee 
as its cause or occasion, like a shadow pursues the 
body. 

Wherefore, My Child, if thou art wise, endeavor 
to make that useful which thou canst not avoid, by 
bearing the cross of thy affliction with an even and 
well-disposed mind, as did the Saints, and by cheer- 
fully following My footsteps. 

6. If thou wilt undergo tribulation with ease 
and profit, do it for love of Me : this love will take 
away the heaviness and bitterness of thy cross, and, 
by its virtue, will sanctify thy cross, and thyself 
through its means. 

Whoso does not suffer his afflictions for love of 
Me, will not long carry his cross with alacrity ; but 
he will soon begin either to drag it along, toiling 
and groaning, or, overburdened by it, he will sink 
down in his wretchedness. 

If thou findest any difficulty in so suffering, My 



CHAPTER II. 



381 



Child, come thou to My Heart, and pray. Here 
thou shalt obtain relief, love, the unction of grace. 

My Child, hitherto I have never ceased telling 
thee, nor will I cease to repeat it, do thou pray, do 
not fail to pray. 

For behold ! in prayer is everything : by prayer 
thou art freed from evils : by prayer thou obtainest 
all good things ; in prayer thou hast a remedy for 
misfortune ; by prayer sorrow is soothed ; in prayer 
thou securest consolation and perseverance. 

7. The voice of the Disciple. — There is, then, no 
escape, Lord Jesus: it is necessary to suffer either 
willingly or reluctantly. If I surfer willingly, I 
shall feel it less : if I suffer with reluctance, I add 
a greater burden. 

Wherefore, I must hold my heart ready to suffer, 
unless I desire to render myself wretched to no 
purpose. 

Although the necessity of suffering appears some- 
times hard, yet its advantage, which will sanctify 
me in life, and render me blissful during all eter- 
nity, is abundantly sufficient to arouse and stimu- 
late my heart. 

But if I love Thee, most sweet Jesus, the sole 
thought of Thee will induce me to follow Thee with 
joy and alacrity, that I may be with Thee, that I 
may be assimilated to Thee, that I may give a proof 
of my love, that I may enjoy Thy love. 

Jesus, infinite sweetness ! near Thee even bit- 
terness becomes sweet : for behold ! by Thy own 



382 



THE THIRD BOOK. 



suffering, Thou didst take away and reserve for 
Thyself whatever is bitterest in afflictions ; and 
whatsoever of relish or sweetness there is in them 
Thou didst leave to us. 

Jesus most compassionate, who didst love me 
so much, I entreat Thee, give me the sentiments of 
Thy Heart, that I may sanctify all my sufferings 
and promote, by their means, Thy honor and my 
own perfection. 



CHAPTER III. 

HOW THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS FELT DIS- 
POSED IN REGARD TO SUFFERINGS. 

L The voice of Jesus. — Consider, My Child, 
what were the sentiments of My Heart in suffering, 
and strive to imitate them. 

Behold ! during My mortal life, My Heart was 
ever suffering, and rejoicing at the same time. 

Understand what I say, My Child. I speak not 
of My divine Will, since it was exempt from 
suffering, and incapable of it ; but of My human 
will. For by this I practiced virtues : by this I 
acquired merits : by this I wrought the Redemp- 
tion of men. 

From the first existence of My Humanity, My 
Heart possessed the fullness of joy, by reason of 



CHAPTER III. 



383 



the Vision of the Divinity hypostatically united to 
It, which It ever enjoyed, and whereby I was su- 
premely blissful : and, at the same time, by a spe- 
cial dispensation, My Heart was suffering, in view 
of the cruelty and bitterness of the Passion, which 
It was to undergo. 

Moreover, at the same time, but under a different 
aspect, My Heart was grieved and rejoiced at Its 
sorrowful and bitter Passion. It was grieved, in as 
much as the sufferings were painful and disagreea- 
ble to My Humanity : It was rejoiced, in as much 
as God had willed and ordained them for the salva- 
tion of men. 

For My Heart was endowed with a human will, 
which, although one in itself, was, as it were, two- 
fold in its operation : the one inferior, — which of 
itself shrunk and fled from things distressful to 
the human nature : the other superior, which, for 
loftier motives, deliberately loved and embraced 
those same painful things. 

Both parts, the inferior as well as the superior, 
were ever upright, never ill-ordered, nor weakened 
by any defect whatsoever. 

The inferior, which regarded and desired the 
good and advantage of its own nature, and dreaded 
and shunned the sufferings of nature and death ; 
at the same time, allowed itself to be guided by the 
superior. 

The superior rendered the inferior, as well as it- 
self, submissive, and conformed to the divine Will. 



384 



THE THIRD BOOK. 



Hence the supernatural acts of virtues performed : 
hence merits : hence the plentifulness of the treas- 
ures of grace accumulated for men. 

Kemember, My Child, that thou possessest a 
similar will, not, indeed, equally perfect and unim- 
paired, yet truly free : and that in the same thou 
also findest an inferior and a superior part. 

2. My Child, thou dost not always, nor at the 
same time, know all thou shalt have to suffer. It 
happens, through a special kindness and mercy, 
that, for the most part, thou dost not see them, ex- 
cept when they come upon thee, that thus thou 
mayst hear them the more easily one by one. 

But My suffering was ever in My sight. Wher- 
ever I was, all My future torments were constantly 
before My eyes. 

For at no time was hidden from Me, all that the 
Prophets had foretold I was to suffer, all that the 
ancient types and figures had foreshowed, all that 
the wickedness of the world and of hell, was to at- 
tempt, all the horrid tortures for which the sins of 
men were crying out, all that the insulted glory of 
My heavenly Father required, all that thy own 
wants, My Child, demanded. 

All, and each of these things, were before My 
eyes, and pressed unceasingly upon My Heart. 

But the love of My Heart brought it to pass, 
that I willingly endured and bore all. 

Love rendered everything savory to Me : labors 
and watchings, insults and mockeries, scourgings 



CHAPTER III. 



385 



and thorns, the cross, and whatsoever things were 
prepared by the divine Will for the blissfulness of 
men. 

Lo, My Child, the chief disposition of My Heart, 
love for G-od and for men. From this sou ■< e flowed 
all Its other dispositions. 

3. Hence arose that inexhaustible patience of 
My Heart, whereby I endured, without bitter feel- 
ing or complaint, so many things, so cruel and un- 
deserved. For love is patient; charity endures 
all things. 

Hence, amid all My sorrows and afflictions, the 
resignation of Heart to the divine good pleasure. 
For, with My Will, conformed by love to the di- 
vine Will, I was ready willingly to undergo every- 
thing. 

Hence My joy amid suffering. For he that loves, 
and understands the goodness of the object be- 
loved, is glad when he possesses the same. But My 
Heart understood perfectly the excellence of the 
divine Will ; therefore, too, It delighted to fulfill 
it, even amid many and various sufferings. 

Hence the supernatural longing of My Heart for 
suffering. For true love desires to testify effectu- 
ally its sincerity, tenderness and fidelity ; therefore 
My Heart was forever goaded on by love, — always 
desiring to consummate that Passion which was for 
G-od, and should remain for man, a manifest and 
ever-enduring proof of the sincerity, the tenderness, 
the fidelity, yea, of the excess of My love. 
33 



386 



THE THIRD BOOK. 



4. But, My Child, the love of My Heart went 
even beyond this. For to ravish the hearts of men, 
by its excess, and to inflame them with its own fire, 
this is what It willed, this is what I coveted. 

I had come to cast a fire upon the earth, and 
what did I will, except that it should be kindled? 

For this I had the baptism of My Blood, living 
and boiling hot, wherewith I was to be baptized. My 
Passion I mean, into which I was to be immersed, 
and plunged completely. 

And how was I straitened, until it were accom- 
plished ! how was My Heart burning, to open that 
heated bath, which by its wonderful power should 
cleanse, warm, stimulate, and enkindle the hearts 
of men ! 

This bath cleansed and inflamed the Apostles and 
Martyrs, the holy Confessors and Virgins, who were 
ready, with a pure heart, to suffer all things, to 
follow Me through afflictions, mortifications, a thou- 
sand torments, a thousand deaths. 

And cannot also thy heart be enkindled, My 
Child? For this did I, all along, love thee so much, 
that I might inflame thee to love Me in return, that 
I might gain for Myself thy love. 

5. My Child, if thou wouldst more frequently, 
and more attentively consider, to what a degree I 
have loved thee, and how many more reasons thou 
hast to love Me, than I have to love thee : thou 
wouldst, doubtless, be excited to requite My love 
with thine. 



CHAPTER III. 



387 



And, if love do once take possession of thy heart, 
it will produce therein sentiments, with respect to 
sufferings, akin to the sentiments of My Heart. 

The more thou lovest Me, the better wilt thou 
feel disposed toward sufferings : and with how much 
the more willing a heart thou sufferest, the more 
perfectly wilt thou love Me. 

If it happen, that thou relishest not the senti- 
ments of My Heart, with respect to afflictions, it is 
a sign that thy heart is not healthful, nay, that it 
is ill-affected : and, upon examination, thou shalt 
find that the cause thereof is, that thy heart, de- 
void of divine warmth, is benumbed by the cold- 
ness of a certain indifference, or is feverous with 
the viciated fire of self-love. 

However, from the very fact that thou art still 
so ill-disposed, that thou art unable to taste and 
relish those things which are so worthy of great 
souls, take thou occasion to bestir and stimulate 
thyself courageously. 

And desire, and covet at least, that thy heart 
may become animated with the same sentiments, 
that pervade Mine. 

6. Pray frequently and fervently, even though 
nature struggle against it, that thou mayst be en- 
abled to understand the worth of these sentiments, 
and love the priceless advantage of them. 

If, in thus praying, thou art sincere, the eyes of 
thy mind shall be opened, so as to see clearly that 
the wisdom of the world, — which abhors the love 



388 



THE THIRD BOOK. 



of wholesome humiliations and mortifications, — is 
true folly ; but that the salutary love, which I My- 
self, coming down from heaven, taught by word 
and example, is purest wisdom. 

And if thou perseverest in prayer, plentiful grace 
shall be bestowed upon thee, religiously to embrace 
tribulations, and to endure them in a holy manner. 

Be not, however, satisfied with prayer alone: but 
endeavor also, according to the amount of grace, 
and of thy strength, to deny thyself, — to endure 
afflictions, and to carry the cross with Me. 

Blessed is he, who relishes sufferings which may 
sanctify him ! he certainly is taught rather by di- 
vine unction, than by human skill ; he is animated 
rather by grace, than by nature. 

There is nothing, My Child, whereby the true 
Disciples of My Heart are better distinguished, 
than by esteem and love of sufferings for My sake. 

7. The voice of the Disciple.* — good Jesus ! 
how great was the charity of Thy Heart for me ! 
how unselfish Thy love ! how great Thy thirst for 
my felicity ! 

What things Thou didst suffer, and with how pure 
a love ! and all for me, to redeem me, to teach me, 
to console me, to unite me with Thee by love ! 

And can I ever forget Thee ? Can I ever love 
Thee enough ? It is little, I own, but meet and 
just, that I love Thee with my whole heart, that by 
Jove I follow Thee even amidst adversity, even unto 
death. 



CHAPTER IV. 



389 



But, behold ! my Saviour God, I feel that I need 
great grace, to be able to love sufferings, and to 
follow the sentiments of Thy Heart amid suffer- 
ings. 

Unless I be helped from above, I cannot with 
merit deny myself, — neither in great things nor in 
small, — embrace the cross with joy, overcome the 
feelings of nature, and accompany Thee throughout, 
even unto death. 

But since Thou invitest, nay even callest me to 
this : give me abundant grace, I beseech Thee, that 
thereby I may be enabled to effect what I cannot 
do of myself. 

Widen, therefore, my heart and implant, bounti- 
fully and deeply, therein the sentiments of Thy suf- 
fering Heart, that I too, with a meek and humble 
heart, may love to suffer for love of Thee, whatso- 
ever Thou mayst give me to endure. 



CHAPTER IV. 

WHAT ADVANTAGES THERE ARE IN SUFFERING 
WELL. 

1. The voice of Jesus. — My Child, to thee it is 
given to understand the secrets of My Heart, to 
enter devoutly into them, to direct them fully tc 
thy progress. 



390 



THE THIRD BOOK. 



Hear, then, the secrets which are hidden from 
the world : learn thou the good things, which world- 
lings understand not. 

Behold, walking in the way of the cross, I the 
Creator have gone before My creatures j I the Re- 
deemer before those whom I had set free ; I a 
Father before My children ; and to all men have I 
made it known, that, whosoever is willing to be a 
partaker of the unutterable bliss which awaits Me, 
at the end of the journey, should, with the proper 
interior disposition of heart, deny himself, and fol- 
low Me. 

But many, hearing this, have said at all times : 
This is a hard saying, and who can hear it? And, 
thenceforth, many withdrew and walked with Me 
no more. 

The Saints, however, and all they that were really 
willing to sanctify themselves, received My invita- 
tion with a thankful heart, and judged that their 
happiness, even upon earth, consisted in being with 
Me, in suffering with Me, and in persevering with 
Me through every trial unto the end. 

2. And, indeed, My Child, what good is there on 
earth, which may not be found in suffering with 
Me ? 

Here is true glory : a glory which is worthy of 
the divine approval: a glory which /loes not pass 
away with this world : a glory which shall endure 
and be exalted for evermore. 

This is the hidden treasure, wherewith is bought 



CHAPTER IV. 



391 



the kingdom of heaven, with its entire unending 
blessedness. 

This is the pure delight, exceeding all the feel- 
ings. For if thou arrivest at this, that thou rejoic- 
est in suffering with Me, thou obtainest possession 
of a spiritual Paradise of deliglits upon earth. 

3. Whilst everything flows on according to na- 
ture's inclinations, and whilst no trouble oppresses 
the heart, a person is wont to cling to creatures, to 
turn rarely toward Me, and to feel it irksome to 
busy himself with the things of eternity. 

But when he labors under adversity, and is 
pressed by afflictions, he turns again to his heart ; 
he perceives how vain, how perishable are all the 
things of this world ; he flies for aid to Me, whom 
he finds, by experience, most of all needed by him- 
self. 

Therefore, My Child, the kind Providence of My 
Heart is wont so to act, that they who are affluent 
with the possessions of this world, do not enjoy 
them without inconvenience, in order that thus they 
may be excited the more easily and effectively to 
seek the treasures of the life to come. 

For, if they possessed a quiet and undisturbed 
felicity amid worldly riches, they would, perhaps, 
not even think of laying up heavenly treasures. 

It is, then, a merciful dispensation, that evils 
abound in the world, lest the world might be loved, 
and its votaries might perish. 

4. As fire consumes rust, and purifies gold, so 



392 



THE THIRD BOOK. 



sufferings exhaust and deaden the passions, and 
render virtues more pure and precious. 

By tribulation properly endured. My Child, thou 
redeemest thy sins, and thou satisfiest the divine 
justice, for punishments still due : in so much 
that, in this manner, thou canst have here a slight 
and consoling Purgatory, from which, through the 
gates of death, thou mayst deserve to wing thy 
flight to joys everlasting. 

"What is there that can make thee merit more, 
than sufferings endured with a proper disposition 
of heart ? For, behold ! light and momentary 
tribulations work out for thee an ever-enduring 
weight of glory. 

Every affliction will add a new jewel to thy heav- 
enly crown, which shall glitter with as many rays, 
as thou hast performed acts of virtue. 

In adversity, man is freed from many false no- 
tions and errors, and instructed in many ways. 
Happy he that, in the school of affliction, is taught 
to be wise in all things ! 

What does he know, who has never experienced 
adversity, has never endured aught, either in- 
wardly or outwardly ? And wherein can he be use- 
ful in counsel or guidance either to himself or to 
others ? 

5. Wherefore, Child, do not lose courage, when 
thou art tried or reproved by Me. For whom- 
soever I love, him do I lovingly reprove, in order 



CHAPTER IV. 



:]•>:; 



to train him ; and, in him, as a father in his son, 
am I well-pleased. 

Thou shouldst, therefore, justly be glad amid 
sufferings, since therein thou niayst have an indi- 
cation of My esteem for thee, and a token of the 
fatherly love of My Heart. 

There is scarcely aught else to he found which 
produces a greater confidence in My Heart, or a 
freer access to It, than to suffer willingly for My 
sake. 

When thou art about to die, My Child, thou wilt 
rejoice over no circumstance of thy life so securely, 
nor find so safe a consolation in aught else, as in 
the most agreeable remembrance of having suffered 
much with Me. 

6. Very many study to shun the way of humili- 
ation and affliction ; pleading as an excuse, that 
they can both better glorify God and help their 
neighbor, in a more agreeable way. 

What a delusion ! They do not seek God nor 
their neighbor, but themselves. For the glory of 
God and the salvation of the neighbor are not to be 
promoted aecording to man's, but according to God's 
good pleasure. 

Now, God indicated to His Son the manner of 
glorifying on earth His Majesty, and of saving the 
lost world. And this manner the Son followed by 
suffering, and by suffering He made it known to 
man. 

My Child, do thou follow this path which I My- 



394 



THE THIRD BOOK. 



self have trodden and showed to thee. And that 
thou mayst be able to keep it, pray thou frequently 
and fervently. 

But whilst praying, ponder thou devoutly all My 
sorrows of every kind, and the supernatural dispo- 
sitions of My Heart all the while. 

Do not consult merely natural inclinations or 
purely human feelings ; but, by means of super- 
natural principles, elevate thyself above sensible 
things, and view tribulations as sent by the divine 
Will, and, in as much as thou art able, embrace 
them affectionately. 

Courage, then, My Child ; cheer on thy heart. 
Behold Me, and all the Saints with Me, cheerfully 
treading the path of sufferings. Be thou bold to 
follow. With Me nothing is to be feared; the 
company is select ; the way safe ; the goal certain ; 
the reward everlasting. 

7. The voice of the Disciple. — Lord Jesus! 
who will not be roused up to follow Thee ? Who 
does not feel his heart burning within him, whilst 
Thou utterest these things about the way ? 

But it is one thing to be enkindled by Thee, and 
another to follow Thee ; it is one thing to meditate, 
and quite a different one to act : yea, it is one thing 
to know virtue, and another to practice the same. 

I acknowledge that the love of sufferings is a most 
excellent virtue ; I admire it in my mind, I do even 
love it in my heart ; but, when an occasion of actually 
practicing it presents itself, behold ! self-love begins 



CHAPTER IV. 



395 



forthwith to torment me, secret pride darkens my 
understanding and forces upon me a thousand ex- 
cuses, a thousand specious pretenses. 

"Whilst thus I am miserably struggling with 
myself, the chance of suffering something for Thy 
sake flies away, and, I must confess it to my shame, 
I frequently wish myself joy, if I escape unharmed 
from the struggle. 

most kind Jesus! look Thou graciously, I be- 
seech Thee, upon this my misery; and grant me in 
Thy mercy to be able, by Thy grace, to do that 
which, by my frailty, I cannot effect, 

Great is my weakness, great the power of my 
refractory nature, which shrinks from the very 
thought of pain or humiliation. 

But the reason why I am so weak and slug- 
gish, — so that I dare not go contrary to nature, — 
is, that I do not love Thee sufficiently. 

most sweet Jesus! were I to love Thee, like 
Thy Saints, how easy, how pleasant even, would it 
be to triumph over the repugnance of nature ! 

Grant me, therefore, I pray Thee, this singular 
grace, that I may love Thee with a more perfect 
love. — with a love courageous and generous ; that 
it may strongly attract me, — despite the opposition 
of nature, — through all hardships, to Thee, Jesus> 
my lift, my delight, my beatitude. 



396 



THE THIRD BOOK. 



CHAPTER Y. 

HOW, AFTER THE EXAMPLE OP THE MOST SACRED 
HEART OF JESUS, WE MUST CONFORM OURSELVES 
AMIDST AFFLICTIONS TO THE DIVINE WILL. 

1. The voice of Jesus. — My Child, T had now en- 
lightened the world by My doctrine, enkindled it 
with My love, and rendered it blissful, to a certain 
extent, by the perpetual gift of My AY hole Self: 
nothing remained, except to complete all by under- 
going the utmost sufferings through an excess of 
that same love. 

Having, therefore, left the Supper-room, I went 
whither the Will of My Father called Me, whither 
also the desire of My Heart directed Me : to the 
mountain of the Olives. 

Ponder well, My Child, what were the sentiments 
of My Heart, whilst I proceeded in the silence of 
the night, and beheld distinctly rushing upon Me 
all and each one of the torments of My Passion. 

Sorrowful journey! journey filled with unutter- 
able distress and anguish of Heart ! Yet, I went 
on courageously, because I was following the divine 
good pleasure. 

As throughout My life, so now, whilst sorrows 
were falling upon Me from every side, My Heart 
united with the divine Will, generously and lov- 
ingly embraced adversity, as the gift of My Father's 
Will. 



CHAPTER V. 



397 



2. Thus also thou, My Child, when thou art suf- 
fering, do not regard the afflictions in themselves ; 
but lift up thy eyes and consider the divine Will, 
that sends them to thee for thy good, although thy- 
self dost not see that they are for thy advantage. 

Indeed, Child, except sin, nothing takes place 
without the divine Will. But whatsoever happens, 
hin excepted, is good, not evil, since it proceeds 
from a Will essentially just, and is a divinely ap- 
pointed means of sanctifying man. 

For the divine Will, which is guided by infinite 
Wisdom, sustained by infinite Power, moved by in- 
finite Goodness, is indeed able to effect whatsoever 
it wills, but it can will nothing absolutely for mor- 
tals, except what is good for them. 

And since creatures, whatever they may wickedly 
attempt, cannot impede the divine Will concerning 
thee; so often as anything, which is not sinful in 
any manner, befalls thee, it is manifest that it hap- 
pens by the divine Will, and is for thy good. 

Sin, however, as He is infinitely good, God can- 
not will : but, in His infinite Providence, He may 
and does permit it, — both that He may not take 
away man's free-will, and that, by a way which will 
be understood and admired in the other world, He 
may extol His own perfections. 

Infinitely perfect as He is, He knows how to 
draw good out of evil : and He judged it better to 
draw good out of evil, than not to permit that evil 
should be possible. 



398 



THE THIRD BOOK. 



3. My Child, some things happen, which a per- 
son cannot avoid, and must endure, whether he 
likes it or not. 

Happy he that, under these occurrences, resigns 
himself to the divine Will, and strives to conform 
himself thereto, so that, uniting his own with the 
divine Will, he suffers no longer through necessity, 
but of his own accord ! By this voluntary resigna- 
tion, tribulations become not only meritorious, but 
also lighter. 

Would that thou didst well understand this, My 
Child, so that, when afflictions of this kind present 
themselves, thou do not, through a blameworthy 
opposition, lose all merit, and add misery to misery ! 
For what can be more miserable in this life, than 
never to will what shall always be, and ever not to 
will what shall ever be ? 

Other things happen, which one cannot escape 
without sin ; so that he must, either endure them, 
or incur guilt. 

how unwisely, how unbecomingly do they act 
who, to be free from troubles, do not hesitate to 
have recourse to unlawful means ! Is it proper so 
to use the portion of My chalice, which is truly a 
divine gift, and which is never sent, before it has 
been tasted and seasoned by My Heart ? 

Lastly, other things again occur, which man may 
turn aside without guilt. Yet, when no virtue for- 
bids, it is according to the divine good pleasure to 
embrace the same cordially. 



CHAPTER V. 



399 



My Child, if thou art a true Disciple of My 
Heart, thou wilt allow no occasion of this kind to 
pass by : but, holding thy heart ever in readiness, 
when an opportunity presents itself of humbling 
and mortifying thyself without danger, thou wilt 
accept it as a gift from Me, and embrace it with the 
greater affection ; because, as nature has no share 
therein, and thy heart is moved solely by My good 
pleasure, thou art able to display a pure love for 
Me. 

Fervent Disciples of My Heart, — not satisfied 
with things which present themselves. — often, of 
their own accord, seek for apportunities of suffer- 
ing something for Me, and of conforming them- 
selves to Me; for they know, that I delight espe- 
cially in this likeness to Me, as in a perfect evidence 
of their love. 

4. There are they, who, with their mind and 
heart, ever live in the past, or in the future : who 
are wholly taken up with thinking over the causes 
or circumstances of wrongs, which formerly have 
been done to them, or hail afar off future adversity, 
whilst they studiously avoid the present. 

How greatly are those persons to be pitied ! for 
they are tormented by the past, and deluded by the 
future. 

In imagination, they endure much, attempt 
much : but in reality, they are wonderful self-tor- 
mentors, and vain dreamers. 

How many of them resolve to endure one day 



400 



THE THIRD BOOK. 



hard things, and meanwhile do not even bear what 

is easy ! 

Beware, Child, of an imaginary perfection, which 
covers self-love, and is altogether an illusion. 

Take advantage of the present, seize every op- 
portunity, how little soever, of practicing virtue : 
great occasions rarely, ordinary ones frequently 
occur : and a small matter, rightly endured, is a 
preparation for what is great. 

5. My Child, if, in every occurrence, thou be- 
holdest My divine Will, thou wilt heed little, 
through whom it is that things adverse come upon 
thee, — whether through a Superior, an equal, or an 
inferior ; whether through one who is good, or one 
who is wicked : — bat thou wilt receive them with- 
out distinction, regarding the divine Will alone, 
which makes use of various instruments for its own 
most holy ends. 

To help thy weakness : first, in suffering adver- 
sity, resign thyself, even unto patience : and, al- 
though thou neither lovest sufferings, nor art 
pleased with them, endure what is to be borne, 
without bitterness of heart, without uttering com- 
plaints. 

Employ all the means in thy power, and perse- 
vere therein, until thou hast become accustomed to 
be patient, and to be resigned to the divine Will, 
amidst troubles of ordinary occurrence. 

Having attained to the first degree, conform thy- 
self to My Will, in every affliction : willing the 



CHAPTER V. 



401 



same because I will it ; unwilling to be freed there- 
from, so long as I do not will that thou shouldst 
be free. 

To arrive at this, thou oughtest to pray much, 
that thy intellect may be enlightened from above, 
and that, by the aid of grace, thy will, — for super- 
natural motives, — may be solidly conformed to 
Mine, so that thou feelest persuaded, both by faith 
and love, that there is naught better than the di- 
vine Will. 

After reaching the second degree, aim thou at 
the highest. Strive, with all thy strength, so to 
unite thyself with the divine Will, as not only to 
be conformed thereto in suffering adversity, but to 
be the self-same with it. 

Then, My Child, shall this union of wills exist 
between us, when thy heart, — animated with the 
same sentiments toward the cross that possess 
Mine, — rejoices, like Mine, in uniformity with the 
divine good pleasure. 

This union of wills is an important matter, is true 
perfection, solid sanctity. Pure love alone begets 
this holy union, which cannot exist without elevat- 
ing and ennobling man, and rendering him bliss- 
ful. 

6. My Child, if thou lovest Me, thou wilt also 
love My Will. It is enough for him that loves, to 
know the desire of the one beloved, in order to ex- 
ecute it with a joyful heart. 

Come, then, dearly beloved, embrace with thy 
34 



402 



THE THIRD BOOK. 



heart's whole affection the divine good pleasure ; 
and prove, in this manner, that thou art a true 
Disciple of My Heart, — a lover, not of thyself, but 
of Me. 

So ad, so live, that I may find in thee a man ac- 
cording to My Heart, — one who accomplishes all 
My wishes, as well in adversity as in prosperity. 

7. The voice of the Disciple. — Most bountiful and 
sweet J esus, whose only rule of life was the divine 
Will , behold ! by Thy grace, I resolve to strive 
ever to follow this most safe and most just rule. 

How much soever nature may resist, I am will- 
ing to suffer everything Thou mayst permit to be- 
fall me, through the means of any creatures what- 
soever, whether seen or unseen. Nothing, except 
what is good, can proceed from a Heart infinitely 
bountiful, which loves me more and better than I 
either do or can love myself. 

And I know, O Lord, that I shall have to un- 
dergo nothing, which has not first passed through 
Thy Heart, and has thus become sweet. 

If my vicious inclination rebel, and attempt to 
draw Thy Will toward itself, display, I beseech 
Thee, Thy Power : subdue the insolent foe, that he 
may not rise up again. 

most loving Jesus ! Thou fire that consum- 
est what is defective, and injurest not -what is good : 
Thou flame gently burning, and happily destroy- 
ing ! destroy within me every evil and inordinate 
will : enkindle and nourish in me a good and well- 



CHAPTER VI. 



403 



ordered will, that may deem itself blissful, when in 
all things, even though adverse they be, it follows 
Thy divine good pleasure. 



CHAPTER VI. 

THAT THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS, TEACHES 
US IN AFFLICTION TO HAVE RECOURSE TO 
PRAYER. 

1. Tlic voice of Jesus. — My Child, when I had 
now entered the garden of the Olives, whilst the 
earth was silent all around, behold ! there rushed 
and pressed upon Me, on the one hand, all the sins 
of the world ; on the other, the frightful tortures of 
My Passion : and with such violence did they crowd 
upon My Heart, that, although It is the strength 
of them that are weak, It began to fear, to grow 
weary, sad, disconsolate. 

But when I beheld distinctly, that, — by the great 
sufferings taken upon Me with so much love, and 
offered up with so great a mercy for the salvation 
of all men, — not a few would refuse to be saved, 
and would, by a willful hard-heartedness, misuse 
them for their deeper destruction, and return Me at 
last nothing, except the blackest ingratitude : then, 
My Child, My Heart, growing faint with anguish, 



404 



THE THIRD BOOK. 



forced Me to exclaim : My soul is sorrowful even 
unto death ! 

However, having withdrawn from My Disciples 
and advanced a little, kneeling down, I prayed. 

Meanwhile, — by the struggle between the supe- 
rior and inferior part of My Heart, — My sorrows 
increasing to such a degree that My sweat became 
as drops of blood trickling down upon the ground, 
I fell upon My face, and, being in an agony, I 
prayed the longer. 

And as My agony, on account of that inward 
struggle, continued, I persevered in prayer : Father, 
if Thou wilt, remove this chalice from Me; yet, 
not My Will but Thine be done. Yea, My Father, 
Thy Will be done ! 

Then, Child, sent from heaven, an Angel ap- 
peared,- — not to take away the chalice of My Pas- 
sion, which My Father willed Me wholly to drain, 
— but to strengthen Me; that, when joy was set 
before Me without My Passion, despising the shame, 
I might voluntarily endure the cross. 

Reflect, My Child, how painful a struggle My 
Heart underwent that night : a struggle, the like 
whereof is not found : a struggle, on the result of 
which hung the salvation of the world. 

My Heart fought, laboring, wrestling, resisting 
even unto blood, and overcame : but It conquered 
in prayer. 

2. Behold, My Child, behold a source of varied 
consolation for thee : My Heart struggling with 



CHAPTER VI. 



405 



death and praying : fighting by love, triumphing 
by love. 

For lo ! to what extent I felt the hardship of My 
sufferings, to what an extent I tasted their bitter- 
ness. And all this, Child, to teach, to relieve, to 
encourage thee. 

Be not then cast down, nor wonder, when thou 
feelest a repugnance to suffering. Far, if My Heart, 
although holy and perfect, felt Its pains to such a 
degree, what wonder if thy heart feels them like- 
wise ? 

But never shalfc thou experience, — never shalt 
thou feel so much as My Heart felt. Wert thou to 
endure at once in thy heart, whatever thou shalt 
have to suffer during thy whole life, it would be no 
more than a little drop of the chalice, which My 
Heart drained in the garden. 

Whatever may be the reluctance which thou ex- 
periencest in thyself, follow My example ; 3'ield not 
to nature opposing, but go counter thereto. 

To this end, in every difficulty, in every anguish, 
hasten thou without delay to prayer. 

3. If, when thou art troubled, thou hast recourse 
to prayer, distress will ever prove gainful to thee. 
By prayer thou shalt either be delivered from it 
with merit, or thou shalt be helped to endure it, 
for thy good. 

Come, then, Child, and with knees bent, or with 
thy heart at least humbly prostrate, pray thou lite 
Myself : pray that, if it be the divine Will, the cup 



406 



THE THIRD BOOK. 



of thy affliction may pass away ; yet not so that 
thine, but the divine Will be done. 

Pray if this chalice may not pass away, that thou 
obtain grace, to be resigned, to submit thyself to 
drink it. 

Be of good cheer, My Child ; under no circum- 
stances shalt thou ever have afflictions which will 
require thee to -struggle so much, in order to be re- 
signed, as I had to contend. Thou shalt never 
have a contest which will cause thee a bloody 
sweat. 

Whatsoever difficulty thou mayst have, exert 
thyself, wrestle, fight with thyself, to overcome thy 
feeling. Struggling again and again, pray, and 
pray the longer, until thou hast rendered thy heart 
conformed to the divine Will, and prepared it, in 
spite of nature, to follow Me through every hard- 
ship which may be sent it from above. 

4. It is a great misfortune for thee, Child, that 
thou art wont to have recourse to prayer rather 
slowly, and first to try human skill ; that thou suf- 
ferest the unwearied enemy of thy salvation, and 
the ill-regulated propensity of nature, to obtain too 
great a sway over thy heart. 

Hearken not to the suggestions of the devil, nor 
of any passion whatsoever. For, by false reason- 
ings, they seek to deceive, to injure thee. Forbid- 
ding thyself all reasoning, all intercourse with 
them, come thou forthwith to My Heart : here is 
thy counsel, here thy help, here thy comfort. 



CHAPTER VI. 



407 



Even had an Angel visibly to be sent down from 
heaven, thou sbouldst not be left without consoling 
aid, if thou prayest, as it behooves thee. 

And if, despite thy pious efforts, thou continuest 
to feel an opposition within thyself, be not on that 
account dejected. Provided thy will be resigned 
to the divine Will, this repugnance felt, indeed, but 
not willed, so far from doing thee harm, shall, on 
the contrary, if thou strugglest against it, be of the 
greatest advantage to thee. 

It is the characteristic of an heroic Disciple of My 
Heart, to pray and endeavor with all his strength 
'o overcome himself completely, — as well in those 
things from which nature shrinks, as in those to 
which it is prone. 

5. When thou prayest in affliction, Child, thou 
oughtest so to pray, that thou art willing to be re- 
signed, — whether thou obtainest relief, or, in its 
stead, receivest something else, which is better for 
thee, because more conformable to the divine Will; 
or whether thou tastest sweetness, or experiencest 
bitterness. 

For that prayer is not the best, in which the 
greatest consolations are felt ! Since what is sweet 
is not always useful, nor is that which is bitter al- 
ways hurtful. Nay more, in man's present state 
sweetness is wont to do harm, bitterness to be ad- 
vantageous. 

That is the best prayer, from which thou goest 
with greater humility and greater charity, and feel 



408 



THE THIRD BOOK. 



est so disposed, that, in order to do the good plea- 
sure of Grod, thou art willing to go efficaciously 
against whatsoever is pleasing to nature, and to em- 
brace whatsoever is displeasing thereto. 

How pitiful a sight before God, and Angels and 
men, to see persons, who daily pray long and much) 
go thence and carry naught away with them, ex- 
cept faults of negligence and abuse of grace, or a 
more delicate pride and self-love, — having in no 
wise become better inclined toward their duties, nor 
abler to bear the defects of their neighbor, and still 
unwilling to curb their own inclinations. 

Thou, My Son, do thou pray better, as taught by 
My example. Pray, and overcome nature : pray, 
and resign and conform thyself to the divine good 
pleasure. 

These arduous efforts shall not long be needed. Yet 
a little while, and thou shalt not now prepare thy- 
self for tribulations, nor encourage thyself in them : 
but thou shalt sing glad and glorious triumphs with 
the Saints, who all have come out of great tribula- 
tion, and who now, in their reward, are enraptured 
by the unbroken excess of rejoicings, and exult for 
evermore. 

6. The voice of the Disciple. — Thanks to Thee, 
most compassionate Jesus, true comforter of them 
that are in pain: thanks to Thee; for that Thou 
consolest me so disinterestedly and so gently, amid 
all the repugnance I am wont to feel in regard 
to sufferings ; and for that, at so great a cost to 



CHAPTER VI. 



409 



Thyself, Thou didst open for me a source of reme- 
dies in every affliction. 

By what Thou didst so mercifully deign to un- 
dergo, I see, with the greatest consolation, that 
natural reluctance can not hurt a good will — which 
alone Thou regardest, and to which alone Thou 
gran test peace upon earth. 

Lord, Thou the consolation of men, and 
the joy of Angels! who, when afflicted, didst be- 
take Thyself to prayer : grant, I beseech Thee, that, 
after Thy example, in every tribulation, I may 
forthwith have recourse to the remedy of prayer; 
thus to sacrifice the opposition of nature, and to 
cause myself to be resigned and conformed to the 
divine Will. 

Thy Heart, most benign Jesus, is the open and 
safe refuge of all them that are miserable: behold, 
I entreat Thee, my weakness ; arouse me, impel 
me, that in every difficulty, under every circum- 
stance, I may flee to the same — may there find 
bliss, and derive thence strength and courage. 

sweet Jesus, my love and my every good ! 1 
beg and implore Thee, bestow upon me the grace 
always and everywhere to repose with Thee, in 
the divine Will, and to continue thus with Thee 
forever. 
35 



410 



THE THIRD BOOK. 



CHAPTER VII. 

HOW THE MOST SACRED HEART OP JESUS TEACHES 
US, AMID TRIBULATION TO USE THE AID OP 
CREATURES. 

1. The voice of Jesus. — My Child, when I rose 
from prayer, following the good pleasure of My 
heavenly Father, I came to My Disciples, to teach 
thee by My example, as well as to obtain through 
them some comfort in My extreme affliction. 

But alas ! I found them heavy with sadness, and 
buried in sleep, so that, when awakened, far from 
offering Me any relief, they knew not what to say ; 
and instead of giving Me comfort, they themselves 
needed solace. 

It was the bitterest bitterness to My Heart, Child, 
to see those very ones — whom I had trained with 
more than a father's care, whom I had cherished 
with so great a love, whom I had solaced so often, — 
now, during My Passion, so indifferent, so heedless, 
that they could not even for one hour watch with 
Me. 

Where are now those promises, lately made, that 
they would be faithful to Me, even unto death ? 
where is now their pledged word ? where that con- 
stancy so solemnly avowed? All this has van- 
ished; but it passed through My Heart; and oh ! 
how deep a wound did it inflict ! 

However, since, whilst I was suffering, I did not 



CHAPTER VII. 



411 



go to My Disciples, except by the Will of My 
Father, according to the same good pleasure of My 
Father, I embraced, with My Heart resigned, the 
pains which followed My recourse to them. 

2. It is not then forbidden, My Child, amid dis- 
tresses, to resort for comfort to creatures, provided 
it be done in a befitting manner. 

Now, thou wilt do it in this manner, if thou appli- 
estto creatures solely as a means of conforming and 
uniting thyself more easily and more perfectly to 
the divine Will. 

It is peculiar to the more perfect Disciples of My 
Heart, to suffer, and to conceal, so far as allowed, 
their suffering from man ; and to lay open and com- 
municate to Me alone the afflictions of their hearts. 

But thou, Child, if thou art not yet able to reach 
so great a hight of perfection, go thou, after having 
first prayed, go thou to some pious and interior 
person, not indeed to receive sensible comfort from 
him, but to be relieved and assisted, so as the bet- 
ter to come to My Heart, the fountain of true con- 
solation, and to cling to Me rather than to any other 
solace whatever. 

Indeed, if thou art truly wise, to cleave to Me 
ought ever to be thy greatest comfort. For, united 
to Me, even shouldst thou be deprived of all other 
solace, thou shalt calmly repose upon My Heart. 
And what can there be more sweet? what more 
secure ? 

3. So often as in thy troubles thou needest coun- 



412 



THE THIRD BOOK. 



sel or guidance, or art exposed to the danger 01 
delusion, do not trust in thyself alone, lest thou err 
in thy own sense, and be deceived by the appearance 
of good. 

For it is chiefly in these matters that I am wont to 
lead man by man ; both that the order of My divine 
Providence may shine forth the more clearly, and 
that men may love each other the more dearly — 
when they find, by experience, that they are not 
sufficient for themselves, but that each needs the 
assistance of the other. 

And they who, under such circumstances, deem 
themselves too wise to need the direction of others, 
are wont to have a termination full of dangers. 

Sometimes, also, to have recourse to created 
means is not only a counsel of security, but a pre- 
cept of obligation. 

It has been most wisely and properly established 
and ordained, that man should be helped by the 
other creatures, which were made for his real good ; 
that at one time, by abstaining from them, he may 
practice virtue ; at another, that he may be exer- 
cised by them for his salvation and perfection ; and 
again, that he may use them as means. 

Marvelous is My Providence in all My works. 
All things serve Me : if thou lovest Me, Child, they 
shall also serve thee. 

4. Now, when it behooves thee t© use creatures 
as a means, this use should he carefully attended 
to, and the result should so be looked for, that, in 



CHAPTER VII. 



413 



whatsoever way the matter may turn out, thou art 
resigned to the divine Will. 

For, after having employed a sufficient diligence, 
the result, whatever it be, will be to thee a sign of 
the divine good pleasure. 

Sometimes I inspire designs, to the execution 
whereof I will that men should apply themselves 
with courage and perseverance ; although I do 
not will their success. In which event they ob- 
tain a two-fold advantage ; on the one hand, the 
merit of the labor for a successful execution ; on 
the other, the merit of resignation at the unfavora- 
ble result.. 

If any of thy affairs have an unhappy end, through 
thy fault, grieve thou for the fault, but accept with 
patience the pain of the misfortune, and bear it wil- 
lingly. For the fault is, indeed, contrary to My 
Will, but the pain consequent on the fault, is ac- 
cording to My Will : therefore, the fault must be 
grieved for and detested, but the pain should be 
embraced and lovingly undergone. 

And, if any misfortune happen through another's 
fault, resign thyself even in such an event ; neither 
do thou lose thy patience nor peace of heart. 

For, if I permit the successful issue of anything 
to be hindered by the fault of others, this is itself 
a sign, that I do not will thou shouldst be successful. 
And as, whilst permitting the fault, I hate it, and 
will, at the same time, the unfavorable issue of thy 
undertaking: so do thou, with a similar disposition 



414 



THE THIRD BOOK. 



of heart, abhor that fault aud embrace the unpropi- 
tious result. 

5. My Child, were thy heart rightly disposed, 
thou wouldst be resigned under all circumstances ; 
that thus thou mightst gather from each of them 
a new pearl to adorn thy heavenly crown. 

Assuredly, a great and supernatural discernment 
is required for the right use of creatures : for even 
if one begins with a good intention to employ them, 
he may easily become entangled and go wrong. 

Thou shouldst pray, therefore, and implore the 
light and assistance of grace, that thou mayst re- 
main free ; and neither fail by the neglect of created 
means, nor exceed in the use of them. 

6. The voice of the Disciple. — Jesus, Thou the 
first and last refuge of the afflicted heart ! what 
consolation can all creatures together aiFord, if the 
unction of Thy Heart's sweetness is wanting. 

So often as, in my afflictions, through an ill- 
ordered inclination, or some reason contrary to 
Thy Will, I have had recourse to creatures and 
sought consolation in them, so often did I return 
from them more deeply afflicted and rendered 
desolate. 

But this happened through the goodness of Thy 
Heart, that I might be happily pressed, and com- 
pelled, in some manner, to return to Thee, infinite 
sweetness, and pour out my sorrow-stricken heart 
before Thee, — who art ever near to them that are 



CHAPTER VIII. 



415 



troubled in heart, — and who alone art mighty to 
give true consolation. 

Thanks to Thee, most benign Jesus, for the great 
kindness of Thy Heart, whereby Thou didst deal 
bo mercifully and so savingly with me. 

Lord, my light and my salvation ! illumine my 
understanding, that in presence of creatures I may 
look upon Thee alone : purify my affections, that in 
the use of them I may ever love Thee ; and grant 
that, disengaged from all, I may repose in Thee 
alone. 

Guide me by Thy Spirit, Lord Jesus, and make 
me so use creatures, that I be pleasing to Thee; and 
so pass through the evils of time, that I obtain the 
good things of eternity. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

HOW, AFTER THE EXAMPLE OF THE MOST SACRED 
HEART OF JESUS, "WE SHOULD SUFFER THE OPPO- 
SITION AND PERSECUTION OF MEN. 

1. The voice of Jesus. — Dearly beloved, the hour 
had now come, when the Son of man would be de- 
livered into the hands of sinners. 

Behold, Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve Apos- 
tles, and with him a great multitude with lanterns 
and tools, with clubs and swords. 



THE THIRD BOOK. 



And he went before them, as the leader of My 
persecutors : and accosting Me with a false heart : 
Hail, Rabbi, said he : and forthwith he kissed Me ; 
and so betrayed Me to them. 

But I, knowing all that was to come, was more 
intensely grieved, in My innermost Heart, at the 
wretched fate of My unhappy Disciple and of the 
crowd, than at My own suffering. 

Wherefore, I began to try My utmost, and leave 
naught undone to soften and win their hearts. 

Disregarding altogether the insult offered, with 
a friendly countenance, and a more loving Heart, I 
kindly addressed that Apostle : Friend, whereto art 
thou come ? 

His heart remaining insensible to so great a 
goodness, — to make him enter into himself, I urged 
him gently, and powerfully at the same time, to 
cause him to understand that I knew bis crime, and 
to induce him to reflect on the enormity thereof : 
Judas, said I, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man 
with a kiss ? 

When he heeded not My saving voice, but, on 
the contrary, hardened his heart, then, at last, I 
had recourse to My omnipotence, yet so as not to 
interfere with his free-will. 

Behold now, by a miracle, at the mere sound of 
My voice, as if struck by lightning, I laid prostrate 
the treacherous Disciple and his whole crowd ; and 
sent, at the same time, a powerful grace to his 
heart. That unfeeling heart was moved; but he 



CHAPTER VIII. 



417 



was unwilling to hearken to its emotion ; he felt the 
grace, hut he would not yield to the same. 

2. My Child, if by meditation thou wert able, to 
some extent, to understand with how great a love 
My Heart had, at all times, pursued them, from 
whom I received such things in return, and how It 
had ever heaped new favors upon them ; thou 
shouldst comprehend how unutterable were the 
sorrows which, like torrents, rushed upon and over- 
flowed My Heart. 

When thou hast anything similar to suffer, Child, 
do not lose courage : but let the example, which I 
gave thee for thy instruction and comfort, animate 
and console thee. 

Verily I say to thee, Child, thou shalt suffer dis- 
tress in the world : but have confidence and fear 
not, because I am with thee. 

Remember My saying : The servant is not greater 
than his lord. If they have persecuted Me, what 
wonder, if they also persecute thee ? If the world 
hate thee, call to mind how it hated Me first. 

3. Know this, My Child, so long as thou art the 
Disciple of My Heart, — so as to abhor the world 
and its sentiments, — that wicked enemy will oppose 
thee. 

Thy manner of acting it will call hypocrisy, sin- 
gularity, or some other vice. 

At one time, it will pretend that it pities thee : at 
another, it will make a mocker} 7 of thee. 

When thou withdrawest into solitude, it will ac- 



418 



THE THIRD BOOK. 



cuse thee of melancholy or sourness of temper : if 
thou appearest in public, it will endeavor to blacken 
thy virtues ; and thy faults it will either exaggerate 
beyond measure, or flatter thee for them unto thy 
destruction. 

If, according to the zeal of thy charity, thou la- 
borest for the salvation of the world ; thou shalt, 
for the most part, find an unfeeling indifference, or 
receive in return bitter ungratefulness. 

These things, and the like, will the votaries of 
the world do to thee, — not the open ones alone, but 
also they that are secretly such ; not only they that 
publicly persecute Virtue, but also they that appar- 
ently seem to reverence piety, but, in reality, think 
hardly otherwise than the very worldlings. 

Behold, Child, these things I have foretold thee, 
that when they come to pass thou mayst remember 
My Word ; and, cheered on by My example, remain 
firm in thy resolve, and be enabled to feel compas- 
sion for them that afflict thee, to pray for them, and 
even to be zealous for their salvation. 

Assuredly, such wretched men are deserving 
of all pity; they injure themselves rather than 
thee. 

4. My Child, thou must expect this during thy 
lifetime, that thou shalt often experience, that men 
will oppose thee, and that they, who once were for 
thee, — being now unaccountably changed, — will be 
against thee. 

Beware, then, of men ; do not rely upon them 



CHAPTER VIII. 419 

whilst they favor thee, nor be thou troubled when 
they go against thee. 

If thou deporrest thyself so toward others as to 
keep thy heart pure and free ; thou wilt resign thy- 
self to Me, with more ease and profit, when they 
trouble thee ; and thou shalt preserve thy peace and 
gain merit. 

Go, Child, dwell among men wheresoever thou 
wilt: thou shalt find everywhere those that will try 
thy patience. 

Shouldst thou deal with the devout only ; 
shouldst thou live among persons secluded from 
the world, and with body and soul consecrated to 
Me, even there thou shalt not be secure against 
opponents. 

If among My twelve Apostles there was one who 
persecuted Me, wonder not that among them that 
profess a life of piety, yea, even the religious state, 
there be found some who oppose thee. 

5. Yea, Child, all they that desire to lead an in- 
terior life shall suffer persecution. For to an in- 
terior and devoted Disciple of My Heart, persecu- 
tion is never wanting. 

And, indeed, persecution is manifold ; just as 
martyrdom is manifold. 

For there is persecution from enemies, and from 
friends : there is persecution from visible foes, and 
from the invisible as well : there is persecution from 
the wicked, and also from the good. 

So, there is a martyrdom of faith, there is also 



420 



THE THIRD BOOK. 



one of charity : there is a martyrdom of the body, 
there is also one of the soul ; lastly, there is a great 
martyrdom of the heart. 

My Child, if thou desirest to become a perfect 
Disciple of My Heart, thou must, in some manner 
or other, be a martyr. 

For, as such a Disciple, thou art a companion of 
the Saints. Gaze, therefore, upon that mighty 
host which no one can count, standing before the 
throne of the divine Majesty, with palms in their 
hands, the symbol of martyrdom. 

Although the Saints did not all shed their blood, 
all did, however, undergo sufferings, that they 
might obtain the palm of some martyrdom. 

6. But observe, My Child, that no one, who is 
truly a martyr, chooses for himself, by his own will, 
his own martyrdom ; but that he suffers that one 
which has been inspired, or appointed him from 
above. 

Believe thou, therefore, that to be thy martyr- 
dom, whatsoever has been presented to thee by di- 
vine Providence in thy state, employment, or other 
circumstances, wherein thou art placed. 

To obtain an opportunity of suffering martyr- 
dom, it is not necessary to betake thyself to infidel 
and barbarous nations, or to look for an avowed 
persecutor of the Church. 

The world persecutes thee : man troubles thee : 
one betrays thee ; another mocks and derides thee : 
this one humbles thee : that one opposes thee : cor- 



CHAPTER VIII. 



421 



nipt nature, or an ill-regulated propensity, resists 
thee : something else is a source of grief to thee : 
lo, My Child, here is thy persecutor. 

Despite the contradiction of men and their oppo- 
sition : dispite their sayings and annoyances, thou 
keepest bravely and generously the precepts of re- 
ligion and thy rules, thou practicest virtue, and 
employest thyself in piety : behold thy martyrdom 
of faith. 

Thou prayest for thy persecutors : thou lovest 
and helpest, in spite of natural repugnance, thy 
neighbors who are ill-affected toward thee : thou 
art zealous for their salvation, and offerest up for 
them thy prayers, labors, and sufferings : behold 
thy martyrdom of charity. 

Sickness torments thee : thy head, thy breast, 
thy limbs are aching : hard work is killing thee : 
behold the martyrdom of the body. 

Thou sufferest interior anguish : thou feelest 
racking temptations : or such things as divine love 
employs to purify altogether, and to perfect thy 
soul: behold the martyrdom of the soul, and of the 
heart. 

But remember, My Child, that for those who 
have attained to the use of reason an unwilling- 
martyrdom, or one which they endure for some 
cause or reason, whatsoever it may be, is of no 
avail ; for it must be undergone willingly, with re- 
signation, or, at least, with patience, for the love 
of God. It is not enough, then, to suffer, but thou 



422 



THE THIRD BOOK. 



must suffer voluntarily for My love. A martyr- 
dom, not quickened by divine love, is dead and 

worthless. 

Behold! Child, a manifold crown is offered to 
thee, one which thousands of mortals of every state 
and condition of life have eagerly sought for, oue 
which so many youths and maidens have exultingly 
borne off : and art not thou also able and willing to 
pursue and obtain the same ? 

Look up to heaven : contemplate the glory of 
the Saints, and their blessedness ; remember that 
they are thy brothers and sisters : raise thy cour- 
age, secure for thyself a crown and palm, that thou 
mayst be received among them. 

7. The voice of tlie Disciple. — most sweet 
Jesus, Thou who art the Chief and Crown of Mar- 
tyrs, the Comforter of mortals ! I frequently expe- 
rience that men are opposed to me, and I feel it 
deeply. 

If, however, I be sincere, I am forced to confess, 
that I have no cause of complaint : for I, the mean- 
est and most ungrateful of men, have followed Ju- 
das and his throng against Thee, my Lord and 
God. 

Hence, I own it, I truly deserve to be abhorred 
by every creature. Hence I am every way unwor- 
thy to be loved by Thee, or to be admitted among 
the sainted Disciples of Thy Heart. 

Yet, since Thou hast a Heart so kind, that Thou 
didst desire to admit even Judas, and didst use 



CHAPTER IX, 



423 



every endeavor to gain him ! how can I distrust or 
fear ! On the contrary, how great a hope and con- 
fidence should I not have, that, how wretched so- 
ever I may be, Thou wilt not cast me off, when I 
come to Thee, but wilt mercifully receive and help 
me ! 

Relying, therefore, upon the goodness and grace 
of Thy Heart, I resolve to make atonement for my 
past infidelity by my persevering love ; to undergo 
for love of Thee the martyrdom graciously offered 
to me ; and thus, finally, to sanctify myself to the 
everlasting joy and glory of Thy Heart. 



CHAPTER IX. 

HOW, AFTER THE EXAMPLE OP THE MOST SACRED 
HEART OP JESUS, WE SHOULD BEAR TO BE FOR- 
SAKEN BY PERSONS WHO ARE SERVICEABLE OR 
NEEDFUL TO US. 

1. The voice of Jesus. — When the crowds had 
drawn near, and laid hands on Me, behold ! My Dis- 
ciples all fled, and left Me alone in the midst of My 
enemies. 

Such are they, My Child, whom I had chosen ; 
whom I had trained with all the care, solicitude, 
and love of My Heart ; to whom I had made known 
all things whatsoever I had heard of My Father. 



421 TIlS THIRD BOOK. 

These are the very same, that, a little before, had 
all, in like manner, protested that, even if it 
were necessary to die with Me, they would not deny 
Me. 

But now, when it was the power of darkness, and 
the time of trial, forgetful of Me, their Saviour and 
Father, they all became runaways. 

Reflect, Child, how grievously this total dere- 
liction on the part of My Disciples wounded My 
Heart, 

Give heed also, and ponder, with what sentiments 
of Heart I bore this affliction. 

2. If thou dost truly enter into these sentiments 
of My Heart, thou shalt be able to endure calmly 
and meritoriously for My sake, to be forsaken by 
all men whomsoever. 

It happens not rarely, that man is suffered to be 
abandoned, even in his distress, by persons very 
useful or necessary to him, that thus he may be as- 
similated more perfectly to Me, and be raised higher 
in sanctity. This shows forth more gloriously the 
power of My love, which so strengthens weak man, 
that, though alone, he stands ever firm, even whilst 
the raging winds and storms of adversity are rush- 
ing upon him. 

This, too, is oftentimes useful, that man may 
wholly free himself from creatures, and leave him- 
self completely. 

For when, on the one hand, he sees himself for- 
saken by men, he easily withdraws his heart from 



CHAPTER IX. 



425 



them to give it to Me, who abandon no one; and 
when, on the other hand, he perceives that he is 
unequal to the troubles which assail him, he comes, 
as it were of his own accord, to Me, and throws 
himself, and all he has, into My paternal bosom. 

It is, indeed, heroic and worthy of the divine 
approval, that a person abandoned by all, be equally 
satisfied with this dereliction, — love the more purely 
those who forsake him , endure willingly, for My love, 
the loss of men's affections, and repose, amidst all 
accidents, in Me alone. This, surely, is the mark 
of a humble heart, which gives itself wholly to My 
love. 

3. When one possesses the affections of another, 
— although he may have a good enough object in 
view, — he frequently allows much to creep in which 
is ill-regulated, or at least merely human. 

But I . — who am a zealous lover of the heart, 
who do not wish that man's heart should be busied 
except with Me or for Me, — am wont so to arrange 
matters, that he is soinetknes forsaken or discarded 
by mortals, even by those who it seems ought to 
have shared with him his weal or woe till death. 

A person must contend much and long with him- 
self, that he may order perfectly the desire of being 
loved by others. 

The voice of the Disciple. — But, Lord, is 
it evil, without a bad intention, to desire, or even 
seek to be loved by others ? 

The voice of Jesus. — My Child, it is one thing 
36 



426 



THE THIRD BOOK. 



to wish or seek this for thyself and another to de- 
sire, or to seek it, for My sake. 

If thou seekest another's affections in order to 
delight or repose thyself therein : if thou desirest 
them on account of personal qualities, to indulge 
thy own inclination : finally, if, in any manner, thou 
so wishest for them, as, either directly or indirectly, 
to finish with self — some gratification of nature : 
thou wouldst fain be loved for thy own sake. 

If, on the contrary, thou desirest or strivest to 
gain the love of others in order to devote thyself to 
My interests, to secure their everlasting salvation, 
or to promote the perfection of souls, — to extend 
the kingdom of My love, to win hearts for Me : be- 
hold ! thou seekest to be loved for My sake. 

Now, My Child, if, in a direct or indirect manner, 
thou aspirest to be loved for thyself ; this, although 
it be done with no evil intention, is inordinate, — 
since not thou, but I Myself am thy end : therefore, 
it is imperfect, and, what is more to be dreaded, it 
is wont not only to lead to sin, but also to entangle 
men therein. 

But, if thou desirest to be loved for My sake, 
thy love is well-ordered, it is pure, it is love for 
Me ; it is a love with whbh the Saints have loved, 
and sought to be loved; \j means of which they 
have accomplished much good, and which thou, 
Child, shouldst employ in like manner. 

4. There is hardly anything in the world, to 
which the human heart cleaves more feelingly, than 



CHAPTER IX. 



427 



to friendship, which — full of change as it is — is 
wont to be either very advantageous or very preju- 
dicial. 

A precious possession hard to find, more difficult 
to keep, is genuine, pure friendship, whereby one 
loves another sincerely for love of Me ; whereby 
one seeks the true good of another as his own ; 
whereby, without flattery, without human respect, 
one takes care to correct the faults of the other, to 
cheer him on and assist him to acquire virtue and 
sanctity ; whereby one is faithful to the other in 
adversity and prosperity, in death, yea after death, 
as well as during life. 

My Child, if thou lovest any one, and so lovest 
him, that thou growest uneasy in consequence ; that 
thou art moved rather frequently to occupy thy 
mind or heart with him, at proper and improper 
times ; that thou desirest to hold long or frequent 
conversations with him ; that thou givest heed to 
his outward accomplishments, and entertainest or 
directest thy affections by them ; that thou makest 
bold to express thy admiration for him or to flatter 
him in his presence ; that thou callest his defects 
by an honorable name, or excusest them ; that thou 
takest ill that others be loved by him ; that thou 
seemest in some sort inconsolable, ( r too unhappy, 
when thou must altogether part with him ; then thy 
love, thy friendship, is not genuine nor pure, even 
if thou do not observe it, even if thou do not sus- 
pect it. But if, on the contrary, thou experiencest 



428 



THE THIRD BOOK. 



none of these things, thou hast a good sign in favor 
of thy love and friendshij). 

My Child, if thou hast a true and sincere friend, 
a rare treasure, deport thyself in a becoming man- 
ner in his regard, and so deal with him, that whether 
he remain faithful or prove faithless, thou never 
regret to have so acted. 

But, although friendship, founded upon love for 
Me, is of itself good, thou shouldst, however, keep 
thy heart so free, that, if I so dispose things, thou 
art willing to possess Me alone, instead of all others, 
as the friend who suffices for thee. 

Thy heart shall never be altogether quiet, nor 
prepared for an intimate union with Me, — whatso- 
ever else thou mayst do, — unless, soaring beyond 
every natural affection, it love with My love alone, 
and repose in the sole love of Me. 

Wherefore, Child, centre thy affections on Me; 
bind thy heart to Mine, that it may neither fall nor 
shake, if men withdraw themselves. 

5. What are men except pliant and frail reeds, 
whereon thou canst not lean securely, if thou wilt 
not expose thyself to the risk of reeling or falling? 

Even should mortals not depart from thee, thou 
thyself must in a short time depart from them, — 
since death separates each and all. 

When thou art forsaken by men, thou shalt no- 
where find a surer nor greater solace than near Me, 
— who was, for love of thee, treated in like manner. 

Be not exasperated, Child, nor do thou complain, 



CHAPTER IX. 



429 



as if thou didst not deserve to be so dealt with, at 
least by this or by that one. 

Ah, My Child ! if thou art not willing to suffer, 
except from whomso it may please thee, what prin- 
ciple of virtue dost thou possess ? And if thou art 
willing to suffer only what thou hast deserved, what 
is there great in that ? or what therein is worthy of 
a Disciple of My Heart? 

6. If any do, in some manner or other, fall away 
from thee, show to them by thy friendly disposition, 
thy mildness, and thy honorable treatment of them, 
what pure charity is able to do, which, — overlook- 
ing all repugnances of natural feeling, — devotes 
itself rather to their good than to thy own inclina- 
tion, even after they have rendered themselves un- 
worthy. 

It is true, Child, it is difficult so to go against 
nature : but a humble Disciple of My Heart, one 
who is animated by love for Me, does not regard 
the opposition of nature, but the object of his love : 
and, whilst another, in his coldness and lukewarm- 
ness, remains hesitating, he, in his fervor, has al- 
ready surmounted the difficulty. 

Inflame thy heart with the fire of love, where- 
with My Heart is burning : glow thou with that 
fire : love thou with that love : if thou do this, be- 
hold ! all difficulties will flee before thee and dis 
appear. 

7. The voice of the Disciple. — Blessed is he 
who, enkindled and enraptured with love for Thee, 



430 



THE THIRD BOOK. 



follows Thee, Jesus, love of love, diune charm 
of the heart ! He runs cheerfully through every 
hardship; and soon, rising above everything of 
man and self, with heart dilated, on the expanded 
wings of divine love, is borne aloft with Thee, — se- 
curely united to Thee. 

most sweet and bountiful Jesus! grant me, I 
beg and entreat Thee, this love so fervent, so effica- 
cious, whereby I may love Thee for Thyself, and 
naught beside, save for Thyself: whereby I may 
endure it with ease, if Thou sufferest me to be for- 
saken by men. 

Be Thou only forever with me : Thou alone wilt 
be enough. Should all, abandoning me, betake 
themselves to flight, my heart shall not be troubled, 
if Thou art with me. 

This alone do I crave, and will not cease to ask, 
that they who shun and forsake me, may not shun 
nor abandon Thee : but, on the contrary, may cling 
to Thee mare closely, may love Thee more per- 
fectly. 



CHAPTER X. 



431 



CHAPTER X. 

HOW WE MAY IMITATE THE MOST SACRED HEART 
OF JESUS MADE A PRISONER. 

1. The voice of Jesus. — My Child, the soldiers 
and the attendants of the Jews, rising from the 
ground, rushed upon Me, and having seized Me, 
they bound Me. 

Behold, Child, behold the Lamb of God in the 
hands of the executioners, bound for the sacrifice! 
bound, because He willed it; and He willed it be- 
cause He loved. 

For the chains of love pressed My Heart more 
tightly, than the fetters of My enemies bound My 
hands. 

And. unless My Heart, led captive by love, had 
hindered it. My almighty hands could have de- 
stroyed My enemies, and broken their chains. 

But love endures all things : no humiliation does 
it think too great, no suffering does it consider ex- 
cessive : whatsoever it wills, it seizes and holds, and 
remains itself ever free. 

if thou knewest, My Child, how great a 
blessedness it is, to be the captive of divine love, 
assuredly thou wouldst not, wert thou able, even for 
a moment, desire to be thy own master ; but thou 
wouldst willingly deliver up body and soul, thyself 



432 



THE THIRD BOOK. 



and all thou hast, that by it thou mightst be bound 
and held ! 

2. He that lives under divine love, thinks 
neither persecutions, nor ehains, nor imprisonment, 
nor death itself, suffered for My sake, anything 
doleful or unfortunate ; but he rather deems it a 
great gain, an object worthy of a holy ambition, to 
suffer all this for love of Me. 

Why, thinkest thou, does it happen, that some, 
when, to keep the faith, they must suffer chains or 
inconveniences, do not remain in the truth, but go 
after the inventions of men, and fall into the judg- 
ment of condemnation? Is it not because they are 
not impelled by pure love for Me — so as to be 
willing to lose their life in this world, that they 
may save it in the next ? 

Hence, Child, as they are unwilling to be My 
fellow-captives, they become the prisoners of the 
devil ; and as they desire to save their life in time, 
they lose it in eternity. 

My Child, if ever it be thy lot to undergo chains 
or imprisonment for virtue, do not fear them that 
may kill the body, but can do naught beyond; but 
rather fear Him who can destroy body and soul 
forever. 

3. It is a grace, a happiness, to undergo afflic- 
tions for My sake, if thou suflferest them unmerit- 
edly. Whilst partaking of My sufferings, it be- 
hooves thee to rejoice, as about to exult in the 
revelation of My glory. 



CHAPTER X. 



433 



Let none suffer as a wrong-doer, a scoffer, or a 
criminal ; but, if as My Disciple, let him not be 
ashamed, let him glorify Me in that name, by en- 
during courageously and perseveringly — piously 
and humbly manifesting his joy, for that he is 
reckoned among them, who were deemed worthy 
to suffer for My sake, and thus to become Saints. 

Some of whom were racked; some underwent 
mockeries and stripes, beside chains and prisons ; 
others were stoned ; others were tortured and cut 
asunder ; others again perished by the sword ; 
others, finally, wandered about in sheep-skins, and 
disguised in other garments, in want, distressed, 
afflicted; wandering over mountains, in dens, and 
in caves of the earth. 

But to them, of whom the world was not worthy, 
because they persevered and overcame with Me by 
suffering — I gave to sit with Me on a throne, as 
also I, by suffering, persevered and overcame, and 
am seated on a throne with My Father. 

How blissful art thou, my Child, if, for My sake, 
thou becomest a partner in affliction with these ! be- 
cause whatever there is of everlasting glory and 
honor, whatever there is of true virtue and holiness, 
whatever, finally, there is of the Spirit of My 
Heart, rests upon thee. 

4. But not to every one is given an opportunity 
of suffering chains and tortures for virtue. All 
they, however, who strive after a perfect Imitation 
37 



434 



THE THIRD BOOK. 



of My Heart, can and must, in some sort, become 
captives for the sake of virtue. 

For who is there that cannot bring the senses of 
his body into captivity — not merely that they may 
do no evil nor yield to vanity — but that they may 
be held within restraint, and exercised in the prac- 
tice of virtue ? 

Few, however, preserve their senses within the 
limits of reason; and fewer still mortify them ac- 
cording to the principles of faith. 

My Child, how art thou wont to deal with the 
senses of thy body? Dost thou not suffer them to 
be too free ? Consider what, in regard to them, is 
desired for perfection. 

5. As to the powers of the soul, canst thou not 
also, in some manner, bring them into captivity? 
Thy roaming imagination, — so tenacious of the 
past, and so inquisitive as to the future, — thou wilt 
force, by degrees, to be sufficiently subject to thee, if 
thou recallest her forthwith when she makes her 
escape ; if at home, thou entertainest her con- 
stantly with things useful; if thou repressest assid- 
uously her sudden impulses and triflings, until she 
be accustomed to remain quiet. 

Keep thy mind wholly subject, as is proper, in 
obedience to faith ; lest, perchance, becoming a 
searcher of Majesty, thou be overwhelmed by 
glory, or a fugitive from truth, thou become a slave 
of error. 

Nay more, subdue thy opinions, and, — unless some 



CHAPTER X. 



435 



other virtue forbid it, — subject the same, for chari- 
ty's sake, to the judgment of others. By so doing 
thou shalt gain the more, the more truth-like thy 
own opinion appears, and the more difficult it is, 
consequently, to subdue the same. 

To be inwardly and outwardly unguarded and 
dissipated proceeds from the defect of a heart, 
which is a slave, either to its enemies, to its pas- 
sions, or even to itself. 

Thy chief care, therefore, should be to keep thy 
heart free from the servitude of all things inferior. 
For only then wilt thou be able to devote it, in its 
vigor, with all its affections, to pure, supernal char- 
ity, and to become My fellow-captive in the chains 
of divine love. 

6. Marvelous is Charity in its workings. If thou 
servest Charity, behold ! all things shall be turned 
for thee into blessings. 

Love Me, Child, thy Grod and Saviour ; by loving 
thou wilt learn to love Me more perfectly : love is bet- 
ter learntand perfected by loving than by speculating. 

If thy heart is wholly submissive to My love, 
thou wilt easily and carefully guard against that 
false freedom of thinking, of speaking, of acting 
according as thou feelest inclined. 

This mad license — not true freedom — what else 
is it except a cloak of the passions, the bane of 
virtue, the realm of vice, the misfortune of fami- 
lies, the ruin of cloisters, the plague of society? 

And the more widely this evil daily spreads 



436 



THE THIRD BOOK. 



among worldlings, the more plausibly it creeps in 
among the godly, the more cunningly it enters even 
among religious ; with the more care oughtest thou 
to put thyself on thy guard, lest it also infect thy 
heart ; and lest, under the appearance of good, it 
draw the same away, from the servitude of humble 
love, to the freedom of the flesh, which leads to the 
slavery of hell. 

Thou canst not be thy own master, how much so 
ever thou mayst desire and strive to be so. Thou 
art bound to love, and, therefore, to devote thyself 
to some object, even in spite of thyself But thou 
canst not give thyself up to anything created, with- 
out the most grievous injustice and the basest 
ingratitude to Me, and without manifold evil to 
thyself. 

Wherefore, Child, be willingly Mine : give thyself 
up to My love ; since, in order that thou mightst 
be Mine, I was willing to be a captive for thee. 

How happy shalt thou be, when bound, inwardly 
and outwardly, by the same chains of love, that 
unite with Me the Angels and Saints in heaven ! 

7. The voice of the Disciple. — most loving 
Jesus ! to what extent didst Thou love me, who 
didst condescend to become a captive for me, — a 
captive of sorrows in the hands of Thy enemies, 
that Thou mightst allure and make me a captive 
of Thy love ! 

Lord, my Saviour ! when I call to mind Thy 
chains, I utterly despise in my heart all worldly 



CHAPTER XI. 



437 



freedom — desirous of being Thy fellow-captive in 
chains. 

If the fetters of enemies are wanting to me, behold ! 
I give myself up to the chains of love, that, all the 
senses of my body and the powers of my soul being 
seized and made subject, I may be so bound to 
Thee, as never to be separated from Thee. 

G-rant, I beseech Thee, Lord Jesus, that these 
may be no empty wishes, but efficacious resolves, 
which, with Thy grace, I may fulfill for the conso- 
lation of Thy Heart, and the sanctification of my 
soul, — for which Thou hast so much suffered. 



CHAPTER XL 

HOW, AFTER THE EXAMPLE OF THE MOST SACRED 
HEART OF JESUS, IT BEHOOVES US TO BEAR 
FALSE ACCUSATIONS. 

1. The voice of Jesus. — My Child, hereafter, thou 
shalt see the Son of man, although the Supreme 
Judge of the living and the dead, cited, accused, 
and condemned by sinners deserving everlasting 
death. 

For behold ! they led Me bound to the High- 
priest, where the other priests, and the Scribes, and 
Pharisees had assembled. 



438 



THE THIRD BOOK. 



The chiefs of the priests and the whole council 
sought false witness against Me, that they might 
put Me to death. 

And many, coming forward, bore false witness 
against Me. 

But the High-priest rising up, said to Me : An- 
swerest Thou nothing to the things which these 
men bring against Thee ? 

My Child, what, thinkest thou, did I reply to 
their false testimony, and to the saying of the 
High-priest, in order to defend Myself? AVhat say 
the Scriptures? " But Jesus was silent." 

So it is, My Child, I was silent with My tongue, 
as a man that has no disproof in his mouth ; but 
with My Heart I spoke to My heavenly Father, 
conforming Myself to His good pleasure, and be- 
seeching Him to have pity on those wretched men ; 
to pour into their hearts the abundant grace of the 
Holy Spirit, in order to save their unhappy souls. 

2. My Child, knowing that it is most painful to 
be assailed with false accusations ; and most difficult 
to bear them perfectly, I willed that My Heart 
should be in the highest degree assaulted and over- 
whelmed with unjust calumnies, that, when thou 
thyself art falsely accused, thou mayst find some 
solace in My Heart, which was similarly afflicted, 
and from Its example receive a secure guidance. 

And truly, there is hardly anything more painful 
to the human heart, than to be defamed with false 
accusations. Hence, some persons are thereby so 



CHAPTER XI. 



439 



mucli disturbed in their reason, that, overcome by 
feeling, if they could lawfully choose, they would 
prefer to die rather than to live so dishonored. 

My Child, take heed, lest thou suffer thyself to 
be troubled or beclouded in mind : but, with a calm 
heart, examine the matter better : act as a worthy 
Disciple of My Heart. 

Remember, that neither the malice of those that 
defame thee by false reports, nor the error of those 
that believe falsehood, can make thee different from 
what thou art, nor take away the virtue of thy 
greatness of soul, which lifts itself above falsehood 
uttered and believed. 

But, if thou viewest the matter in the light of 
faith, thou shalt see that its sublime excellence, 
heavenly honor, everlasting reward, correspond to 
the greatness of thy humiliation. 

And although thou mayst be innocent of the 
faults objected to thee, as, however, thou hast, in 
many things, offended the divine Majesty, thou 
shouldst willingly embrace the opportunity of sat- 
isfying for those things in time, which otherwise 
may remain to be atoned for in eternity. 

Moreover, even shouldst thou prefer to cleanse 
thyself of thy offenses, and to enter heaven by other 
means ; yet, do thou rather receive these things 
offered thee by divine Providence, as both more 
certain and more secure. 

How painful soever these things may be to the 



440 



THE THIRD BOOK. 



feelings of nature, suffer them, My Child ; undergo 
them for love of Me ; bear them with Me. 

And if thy heart almost fail thee for grief, come 
thou to My Heart, which suffered more painful 
things for thy sake : here strengthen thy heart, 
protesting that, in spite of nature, thou art willing, 
for love of Me, to be resigned. 

3. I am absolutely unwilling, My Child, that 
thou shouldst hate thy neighbor, how much soever 
he may wrong thee. But, although I gave a com- 
mand of loving even enemies, yet I insisted on no 
precept of being silent or of omitting to justify 
thyself against false accusations : a counsel, how- 
ever, I give, unless silence be sinful. 

He, therefore, who, when falsely accused, speaks 
with a sincere heart, and in a proper manner, in his 
own defense, sins not : but he that speaks not, does 
better. 

It is certainly a very great perfection, to endure 
in silence false accusations : to suffer that men be- 
lieve about thee whatsoever they may please ; to 
intrust thyself wholly to Me alone, and resignedly 
to remain with Me. 

Behold ! herein does grace triumph : this fills the 
Angels with admiration ; this unites thee in fellow- 
ship with the Saints ; this gives glory to God in the 
highest ; this proves thee truly a humble lover of 
Me, and a genuine Disciple of My Heart. 

This is the great secret of the interior life, drawn 



CHAPTER XI. 



441 



out of My Heart, which many hear, and many even 
admire : but which few relish, and fewer follow. 

4. The Saints, however, appreciated this fully, 
and found it quite to their taste ; burning with love 
for Me, and animated with a desire of following 
Me, they suffered, with a joyful heart, false testi- 
monies of every kind. 

And, when with one word they might have justi- 
fied themselves and regained their good name, — 
intrusting the care of their defense to Me, — they 
preferred to be silent with Me, and to be considered 
the outcast and ofiscouring of this world, lest they 
might be found unlike to Me, and display a doubt- 
ful love. 

It is most true, My Child, that this is neither 
easy, according to human feelings; nor does natural 
reason alone furnish a sufficient incitement there- 
to : but feeling and reason must be transcended by 
means of faith and love, which present and press 
forward abundant and most powerful motives and 
incentives. 

Know, Child, if thou art not willing to act, ex- 
cept from feeling or natural reason, thou shalt not 
only never be perfect, but not even saved. 

Live by faith ; act out of love for Me. And if 
nature resists, because it dreads mortification or 
humiliation, let this itself be a new recommendation 
for thee to be silent, that thou mayst evercome ill- 
ordered nature. 

5. Doubtless, the enemy of thy salvation and 



442 



THE THIRD BOOK. 



perfection, — who is ever roaming about seeking 
whom to insnare, — will draw near to thee, and sug- 
gest numerous, troublesome, and plausible things : 
but do not so much as hearken to his suggestions ; 
yea, turn away thy mind from him, or say to him 
with scorn: Begone, Satan ; for it is better to fol- 
low the divine Saviour, who goes before and shows 
a safe and secure way, than to leave the company 
of Jesus, to search out another uncertain and dan- 
gerous road. 

Perhaps, also, some one will ask thee : Answerest 
thou nothing to the things which are objected to 
thee by these persons ? Neither do thou, My Child, 
make any reply to this question, but imitate Me, 
and be in like manner silent. 

If they insist : Seest thou not that thy despised 
name, the edification of thy scandalized neighbor, 
the honor of insulted virtue, God's glory itself, de- 
mand of thee, that thou do justify thyself? Believe 
them not, Child, it is not so. 

If at any time circumstances appeared to require 
that I should speak in My own justification, it was 
doubtless then, when I remained silent ; they did 
not, however, require it ; for had they so required, 
I would have spoken. 

6. Let the matter rest therefore, My Child, and 
intrust it wholly to Me, that, in the wisdom and 
goodness of My Heart, I may do that which is best 
for Me and for thee. 

Do thou, meanwhile, suffer with Me in silence 



CHAPTER XI. 



443 



and patience. I know the accuser and the accused, 
the judge and him that is judged, — him that hum- 
bles and him that is humbled : — I Myself will re- 
pay, at the proper time, and give to each according 
to his works. 

That thou mayst the better persevere, frequently 
call to mind, with what feeling of pain I Myself 
endured greater humiliations ; with how courageous 
a mind, and how generous a Heart I bore them for 
love of thee: and thou wilt surely not refuse to 
love Me in return, who loved thee so much; nor to 
undergo lesser humiliations for the sake of My love. 

Do not fear confusion : embrace it with a noble 
heart; it will not lower thee, it will not harm thee ; 
on the contrary, it will elevate thee, make thee alike 
to Me ; — it will adorn thee with merit and sanctity, 
it will replenish thee with the sweetest unction of 
consolation. 

7. The voice of the Disciple. — most sweet and 
loving Jesus ! have pity on me and help me. For 
behold ! because I am still lukewarm in Thy love, 
and imperfect in humility, I find my heart ever 
ready to grow indignant, and my mouth prepared 
to justify myself, whenever anything displeasing is 
laid to my charge. 

And what is worse, — nor can I confess it without 
shame, — often do I find myself inclined to seek 
excuses for real faults ; and, how just soever the 
imputations may be, I am ever moved to defend, or 
at least to extenuate, the defects attributed to me. 



444 



THE THIRD BOOK. 



Hence it appears, Lord my Grod, how great a 
sway the world still exercises over me, since I am 
more anxious to be approved by men, than to be 
assimilated to Thee : yea, and how great a per- 
verseness is still lurking within me, since I am de- 
sirous of being considered innocent, whilst I know 
myself to be guilty. 

Woe is me! When at last shall I be humble? 
when shall I begin to love with a generous heart ? 
I beg and beseech Thee, Lord, spare not my pride, 
however hidden it be: incite me by a fervent love, 
that, co-operating with Thee, I may root out that 
curse. 

Jesus so bountiful to me ! I indeed am willing 
to follow Thee, and to bear with Thee, in silence 
and resignation, false judgments and insults : but 
for this, weak as I am, I need a powerful grace. 

Strengthen me, therefore, with Thy most potent 
grace ; that, for Thy love, I may remain with Thee, 
silent and patient, unto that end which Thou mayst 
be willing to appoint. 



CHAPTER XII. 

THAT THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS TEACHES 
US, HOW WE OUGHT TO BEAR PERSONAL INSULTS. 

1. The voice of Jesus. — My Child, when the tes- 
timony of them that accused Me did not agree the 



CHAPTER XII. 



445 



High-priest, that he might find a plea for con- 
demning Me, addressed Me again, saying : Art 
Thou the Christ, the Son of the blessed God ? I 
adjure Thee by the living God, that Thou tell us, 
if Thou art the Christ, the Son of God. 

Since all things in heaven, in earth, and under 
the earth, had borne evident and superabundant 
witness to My Divinity, there was no need of an- 
swering the High-priest, who was tempting Me ; 
however, to manifest the reverence due to the liv- 
ing and blessed God, My Father ; to give testimony 
to the truth, even at the risk of My life ; to move 
the hearts of these wretches, if, perhaps, they might 
be willing to hearken to grace, I replied : I am. 
Nevertheless I say to you : Hereafter ye shall see 
the Son of man sitting on the right hand of the 
Power of God, and coming in the clouds of heaven. 

My Child, had they heeded these clear and sa- 
credly terrific words, would they not — suddenly 
changed from judges into suppliants, — have cast 
themselves at My feet, imploring'pardon and mercy? 

But the unhappy High-priest, with his council, 
spurned both the proffered grace, and the salutary 
warnings. For the wicked man, when he is come 
into the depth of sins, contemneth. 

2. Then the chief of the priests rent his garments, 
exclaiming : He has blasphemed. Behold ! now 
ye have heard the blasphemy. What think ye? 
But they all cried out together, that I was guilty 
of death. 



446 



THE THIRD BOOK. 



After this iniquitous and cruel insult, at which 
all heaven was horrified, behold ! more atrocious 
and painful things awaited Me. For, as.it was now 
late, the High-priest and his associates retired to 
rest, and left Me in the hands of the rabble, to be 
tortured during the remainder of the night, 

Whatsoever thou mayst do, My Child, how in- 
tently soever thou mayst meditate, thou canst not 
fully understand the sufferings of My Heart during 
that saddest of nights. 

Then, Child, they spit in My face, — that face 
whereon the Angels long to gaze : — and they, that 
held Me, vied with each other to mock and insult 
Me. 

And, that they might act with more freedom, 
they covered My face : and, casting aside all re- 
traint, some buffeted Me, others struck My face 
with the palms of their hands, insolently saying : 
Prophesy to us, Christ, who is he that struck 
Thee ? Others, in fine, uttered many other blas- 
phemous things, and heaped many indignities upon 
Me. 

Behold then, behold the Son of God, as it were 
a worm and no man : the reproach of men, and the 
outcast of the people ! 

3. Meanwhile, My Child, I was like a lamb be- 
fore its shearer, neither opening My mouth, nor. 
showing any sign of revenge, of anger, or impa- 
tience. 



CIIAL'TIiil XII. 



447 



But, drowning in My Heart the intense sorrows, 
I displayed, in look and gesture, an invincible 
meekness, in order that My enemies themselves, 
struck with so great an example of forbearance, 
might be converted : and that thou, Child, being 
thus encouraged, mights t not refuse to imitate Me 
through love. 

For if I, the Son of the living and blessed God, 
endured, for love of thee, such cruel and incompre- 
hensible tortures, is it too much that, for love of 
Me, thou shouldst bear some insulting word, some 
ignominious appellation, or some reproachful action? 

If thou art unwilling, for My sake, to undergo 
similar things,— little, indeed, in comparison of 
what I suffered for thee, — canst thou believe that 
thou hast a true love for Me, a love worthy either 
of Myself or of a Disciple of My Heart? 

Ask the Saints. Even the least among them 
will answer thee by deeds, glorious both to them- 
selves and to Me. Assuredly, those generous hearts 
would have been ashamed, and would have deemed 
their love either of no account or false, and thought 
themselves undeserving of the special affection of 
My Heart, had they not lovingly undergone the 
humiliations presented to them by Me. 

Do not say, that thou art unable to endure such 
humiliations, because thou art not a Saint. For 
thou art able, if thou wilt, with the aid of My grace 
— which shall not be wanting. If, then, thou dost 
not undergo them, thou provest by the fact, not 



448 



THE THIRD BOOK. 



indeed that thou art unable, but that thou art not 
really willing. If thou art not a Saint, act in con- 
cert with grace, and willingly suffer humiliations, 
and behold ! thou wilt become a Saint. 

4. My Child, whether thou art willing or not, 
so long as thou livest among mortals, thou canst 
not be safe from every kind of humiliations; there- 
fore, thou shouldst have thy heart ever in readi- 
ness, that, whensoever any do come upon thee, 
thou mayst forthwith have recourse to Me and im- 
plore My help. 

Yea, it will happen, and even for thy good, My 
Child, that men do not only oppose, or overlook 
thee, but even that, before thy face, they provoke 
or insult thee. Then, if thou do not come speed- 
ily to Me by means of prayer, thou shalt find thy- 
self exposed to great trouble and danger. 

They that are still beginners in the interior life, 
and little advanced in mortification of heart, are 
easily disturbed by violent affronts; because un- 
subdued nature, when an opportunity presents it- 
self, rebels, and excites a great dread of humilia- 
tion, and a lively feeling of worldly honor. 

Yet all worldly honor is mere emptiness : for it 
rests not upon truth, but depends on the voluble 
tongues of men, who flatter or speak evil at pleasure. 

But to endure, by virtue, the humiliation of an 
affront, is true glory ; because it renders man simi- 
lar to Me, and deserves an imperishable diadem. 

5. The best defense of honor, is an heroic gene- 



CHAPTER XII 



449 



rosity of heart. And, with men, is not meekness 
or clemency of more avail to protect or regain a 
good reputation, than anger or revenge ? The lat- 
ter betrays a little mind, and openly displays a 
heart enslaved to the passions : the former proves 
a great soul, a noble heart, and claims perforce the 
silent admiration of enemies, in spite of them- 
selves. 

Hence, even a pagan said : " To conquer one's 
self . . . not only to raise an opponent, but even to 
load him with favors. . . . Whoso does this, him I 
do not compare to the greatest men, but I judge 
him most like to God." 

Upon these things, however, Child, I will that 
thou shouldst look as secondary only, and that thou 
shouldst ascend higher, — to supernatural motives, — 
lest thou reap no fruit for eternity from thy ardu- 
ous efforts and painful sufferings. 

There are many persons to whom worldly vanity 
is more palatable than My example ; and who pre- 
for to be slaves of their passions, rather than to be 
assimilated to Me. 

Yea, to such a degree do some allow themselves 
to be carried away by their passions, that, when 
calumniated, they rather inflict death on their own 
soul, and expose themselves to the torments of 
hell ; than let the offender go unpunished, or gene- 
rously to pardon the injury of a moment. 

Woe to men endowed with divine faith who live 
worse than the heathen, guided by reason alone 1 
38 



450 



THE THIRD BOOK. 



Unhappy men ! they shall see at last how fool- 
ishly, how wickedly they are acting, who, — when 
an opportunity is given them of appeasing God, of 
expiating their sins, of gaining merits, instead of 
so doing, — provoke Grod to wrath, heap up sinsj 
and aggravate the torments they shall have to un- 
dergo. 

6. The more courageous any one is to conquer 
himself, and the more numerous and difficult the 
victories he gains, the stronger shall he become 
against himself, and the more easy and fruitful 
shall he render future victories. 

Wherefore, My Child, cheer up thy courage : 
overcome thyself, that thou mayst ascend to Me, 
that thou mayst follow Me. By this do thou judge 
thy virtue, the sincerity of thy love for Me : by 
this do thou distinguish whether thou art a true 
Disciple of My Heart. 

Mark this well : if, in order to follow the divine 
Will, thou dost not go counter to the repugnance 
of nature ; even shouldst thou work miracles, 
shouldst thou daily soar off into ecstasy, know, 
that all thy piety is nothing more than simple de- 
lusion. 

Be generous and follow Me, thy Leader, and 
Protector, and Comforter : care not for what men 
may do tc thee, or what may be the feeling of re- 
bellious nature. 

If thy heart does not reproach thee, when, with 
a meek and lowly heart, thou endurest wrongs 



CHAPTER XII. 



451 



done, have thou confidence, My Child ; for thou 
hast a sign of My grace present and abiding in 
thee. For a representation of fire burns not; 
neither does a mere simulation of love thus suffer. 

7. The voice of the Disciple, — O Jesus, God of 
supreme Majesty! truly incomprehensible is the 
excess of Thy humiliations : incomprehensible the 
excess of Thy love. 

Every knee bends before Thee in heaven, in 
earth, and in hell : and behold ! Thou art over- 
whelmed by the insults of fiend-like men, Thou art 
sated with revilings ! 

Jesus, truly meek and humble of Heart ! for, 
like a lamb in the midst of wolves, cruelly torn to 
pieces, Thou desirest, by a miracle of meekness, to 
move, convert, save even them ! Woe is my heart, 
if, after such things, it refuses to humble itself, or 
desires to avenge any wromj whatsoever. For, if it 
is unwilling to yield to so great an example and to 
so great a love of its God, so humbled for its sake, 
what can it expect, if not the rigor of justice? 

1 entreat Thee, Lord God, righteous Judge and 
Retributer, enter Thou not into judgment with me, 
but compassionately forgive me whatsoever I have 
done wrong through anger or revenge. 

Behold, now, in Thy presence, most sweet Jesus, 
I lay aside and offer up forever, in spite of the 
feelings of nature, every desire of wrathful retri- 
bution, of vengeance, of every thing contrary to 
charity. 



452 



THE THIRD BOOK. 



By whatsoever is dear to Thee, I beg of Thee, 
Lord, favorably accept this sacrifice, which I unite 
with the sufferings of Thy Heart, and thus offer to 
Thee : I implore Thee, do Thou unite and bind 
to Thee forever, by the one bond of Thy divine 
love, all them that injure me. 



CHAPTER XIII. 

HOW IT BEHOOVES US TO IMITATE THE MOST 
SACRED HEART OF JESUS, SO FAR AS TO BE 
WILLING TO BE CONSIDERED AS FOOLS, WITH 
HIM AND FOR HIS SAKE. 

h The voice of Jesus. — When it was morning, 
My Child, behold ! all the chiefs of the priests and 
the ancients of the people returned to the council ; 
and soon, the whole multitude, dragging Me in 
chains through the streets, led Me to Pilate, a hea- 
then, the governor of Judea. 

They standing outside, with loud cries, called out 
the governor, and began to accuse Me before him 
of many and various false crimes. 

But Pilate, hearing that I was of the jurisdiction 
of Herod, king of Galilee, sent Me to him. 

Herod, another heathen, was rejoiced at the sight 
of Me : for he had heard much concerning Me, and 



CHAPTER XIII. 



453 



hoped to see some miracle performed to gratify his 
curiosity. 

But to a carnal man, who understands not the 
things of God, — although he himself put many 
questions, and the Jews were accusing Me unceas- 
ingly, — I answered nothing ; yet, in My silence, I 
displayed so eloquent a modesty and holiness, that 
lie could perceive that he was receiving a silent and 
befitting admonition, and that My example might 
move him to conversion. 

However, this earthly-minded person, abusing all 
these graces, and not able to understand, why I did 
not defend Myself, — why I did not seek to gain his 
favor, — attributed My conduct to stupidity and 
foolishness. 

Wherefore, Herod with his army despised Mo : 
and put on Me a white garment, as if I were a 
madman : — thus he mocked and insulted Me. 

Then, sending Me back, in the same garment, to 
Pilate, he exposed Me, as a simpleton, to the city 
and the world. 

2. The voice of the Disciple. — Lord God ! that 
Thou shouldst be looked upon as a simpleton ! 
Spare, Lord, spare the dignity of Thy divine 
Person. Why dost Thou not hurl down Thy thun- 
derbolts upon the sacrilegious wretches, — that the 
vileness of men may not thus profane the divine 
Majesty? 

The voice of Jesus-. — O My Child ! thou knowest 



454 



THE THIRD BOOK. 



neither My Heart nor thy own. The pride of thy 
own heart demanded so great a remedy. 

For, if thou darest to be proud, after thou hast 
seen the Son of God treated, for thy sake, as a mad- 
man and a simpleton ; what wouldst thou not do 
without so great an example of Mine ? Would not 
self-love, by its subtlety, set aside every precept, 
and aim at the very summit of pride ? 

Wherefore, from the greatness of the remedy, 
learn the grievousness of the disease : and henee 
measure thou, on the one side, the abyss of thy 
heart's misery, and on the other, the depth of My 
Heart's love. 

Deep was calling on deep : the love of My Heart 
heard and willed that I should be humbled to the 
deep, that I Might snatch thee from the abyss. 

Notwithstanding I felt an unutterable pang in 
My human nature, yet, for thy sake, I underwent, 
with a willing mind, this depth of humiliation, in 
the hope of gaining at last, by so great a demon- 
stration of love, thy whole heart, of inflaming ife 
with the same love, and of animating it with the 
same sentiments. 

3. An unfathomable mystery it was, Child, that 
God Himself should appear among men as foolish ! 
a mystery, which love alone did work by its excess, 
and for which love alone is able to account. 

For My Heart, made a captive by love, was hur- 
ried onward by love, through humiliations, through 
ignominy, through reproach, through the appear- 



CHAPTER XIII. 



455 



ance of madness itself, — feeling most bitterly, all 
the while, the painfulness of shame, and yet wil- 
lingly embracing its disgrace. 

If any one loves Me, he will keep My word : the 
disciple is not above his master : but every one 
shall be perfect, if he is as his master. 

Thou, therefore, My Child, if thou truly lovesfc 
Me, wilt not refuse to bear with Me the name of 
one unsound or foolish in mind, — whensoever I 
suffer thee to be distinguished by such an appella- 
tion. 

It is not, indeed, lawful that, of thyself, thou 
shouldst give cause for aught of the kind : but to 
suffer that others take occasion so to do ; or to de- 
sire that, without offending God, an occasion may 
be given, to be accounted silly or foolish, for My 
sake, is truly an heroic virtue and a very great per- 
fection. 

4. Be ready, Child, to appear, in some manner, 
foolish to men ; for, in whatever condition thou 
mayst live, thou shalt be sometimes considered 
such, if thou art willing to be a perfect Disciple of 
My Heart. 

A life interior and devout, not merely in name, 
but also in fact, cannot be accounted otherwise than 
as a kind of folly by the votaries of the world's 
opinion. 

For how, otherwise than foolish, must it appear 
to them, to despise the present advantages of the 
world in the hope of future blessings ; to love pov- 



i 



456 



THE THIRD BOOK. 



erty, and keep the affections disengaged from the 
things of earth ; to submit the will and judgment 
to others, even when inferior to thee in virtue and 
science ; to mortify unceasingly the senses of the 
body; without necessity, to seek no reparation for 
injury; to love enemies in sincerity of heart; to 
love humiliations, and esteem them advantages? 

Come, then, My Child, be comforted, and with a 
great heart and willing mind endure all things with 
Me. 

For behold ! by the disposition of My Providence, 
what thou undertakest will, sometimes, have no suc- 
cess, and this will be attributed to thy silliness ; 
others, however, will meet with success in the same 
undertaking, and the greater it be, the more silly 
thou shalt appear. 

When accused, reprimanded, or ridiculed, thou 
wilt be silent ; and thou wilt be looked upon as 
stupid, by them that know not the exquisite wis- 
dom of My Heart. 

When thou disregardest opportunities of seeking 
thy own advantage, in order to promote My inter- 
ests, thou shalt appear to many as devoid of com- 
mon sense. 

If intent on dying to thyself in order to live for 
Me alone, thou shalt be censured by some as be- 
ing feeble-minded through indiscretion, yea, also, 
through false piety. 

These and similar things shall befall thee. Child, 
not only from them that show themselves votaries 



CHAPTER XIII. 



457 



of the world, but, sometimes, from those that make 
profession of a virtuous life, or even of the religious 
state ; and who, as they possess not My interior 
Spirit, love, indeed, the virtues whereby they may 
please themselves and others, but relish not My 
afflictions, my ignominy, my humiliations. 

By them, to whom the excess of My humiliations 
is a stumbling-block in practice — thou shalt oft- 
times be treated most harshly, and shalt be made 
to feel it most keenly. 

5. Do not lose courage, nor be thou dejected in 
heart, My Child, whosoever be the persons by whom 
thou art dealt with in this manner : on the con- 
trary, cheer up and rejoice: bear it at least with 
patience, if thou canst not yet do so with gladness. 

Is it not better, to be considered foolish, with 
Me, than to be deemed wise by men alone? 

Verily, verily, whosoever is willing, for My sake, 
to be looked upon as foolish in this world, shall 
receive in return a hundred-fold blessings in this 
life, and an unfading glory in the life everlasting. 

These results did the Saints experience, and they 
found more and better things than they had under- 
stood or had dared to expect. Do thou, also, My 
Child, make the experiment, and thou shalt meet 
the same reward, 

6. This is the highest wisdom, which the world 
and its votaries neither do nor can know : but 
which the meek and humble Disciples of My Heart 
understand and relish. 

39 



t 



458 



THE THIRD BOOK. 



If thou lovest this teaching of My Heart, if thou 
actest by its Spirit ; well done, Child, well done ; 
be glad and rejoice ; because thou art become most 
like to Me. 

It is certainly a most weighty matter : but do 
thou lighten it by love; and to cheer thee on, call 
to mind the speedy end thereof, and the everlasting 
reward in heaven, — where, after a short time, thou 
shalt be with Me, and where thou shalt shine with 
so much the greater honor before the angels and 
Saints, with how much the heavier weight of hu- 
miliations thou hast been pressed down before 
men. 

These things have I spoken, Child of My Heart, 
that, when they shall come to pass, thou mayst 
have recourse to Me ; that, in Me, thou mayst pos- 
sess peace and consolation ; that, with Me, thou 
mayst persevere. 

7. The voice of the Disciple. — I confess to Thee, 
Jesus, most kind Father ; who hast hidden these 
things from the wise and prudent of this world, 
and hast revealed them to the little and lowly Dis- 
ciples of Thy Heart. Yea, Father ; for so has it 
seemed good in Thy sight. 

As much as I can, I embrace them with my heart, 
desirous, above all things, to know and love Thee, 
most sweet Jesus, Thee treated, for love of me, as a 
madman. 

Too late, alas ! too late have I known this sublime 



CHAPTER XIV. 



459 



mystery ; too late have I embraced this supernal 
wisdom, which taught and formed the Saints. 

Grant me grace, most compassionate Jesus, 
that, as I desire, forgetful of me and mindful of 
Thee, I may be carried forward after Thee, by love, 
that I may follow Thee, by love, even so as to appear 
with Thee, if it please Thee so to allow, silly, stupid, 
foolish. 

Jesus, infinite sweetness! with Thee all be- 
comes sweet ! to be like Thee is supreme felicity 
upon earth, and the most certain pledge of heaven. 



CHAPTER XIV. 

HOW, AFTER THE EXAMPLE OF THE MOST SACRED 
HEART OF JESUS, WE SHOULD BE WILLING TO 
BE PLACED 13ELOW ALL. 

1. The voice of Jesus.— Being led back to the 
residence of the governor, I stood before him, who 
knew that through envy, I had been delivered up, 
by the priests and Pharisees. 

As Pilate had no doubt of My innocence, he was 
desirous of freeing Me, if he could effect this with- 
out displeasing the Jews. Wherefore, he bethought 
himself of an expedient, which showed the base 
weakness of his soul, and covered Me with the 
utmost disgrace. 



460 



THE THIRD BOOK. 



On the festive day, the governor tvas accustomed 
to release to the people one of the prisoners, whom- 
soever they chose. At that time he held a notori- 
ous prisoner who was called Barabbas. 

Now, Barabbas was a robber, who, for a sedition 
raised in the city, and for a murder, had been cast 
into prison. 

Pilate, then, — thinking that I, the benefactor of 
all, a lover of peace, the restorer of life, should be 
preferred to this man, — said to the assembled 
chiefs of the priests, to the magistrates and the 
people : It is a custom that, at the Passover, I 
release one to you : which of the two, therefore, 
will ye that I release to you, Barabbas or Jesus ? 
But, at the instigation of the chief-priests, the 

whole multitude exclaimed: JNot this one but 

Barabbas. 

Consider, Child, how this struck My Heart: how 
deeply it affected the same ; how it tore It asunder. 

Contemplate Me standing behind Barabbas in 
the sight of all : and see how I am treated by the 
highest and the lowest, as the least of men. 

This disgraceful rejection, although it over- 
whelmed My Heart with a feeling of pain, I suffered 
willingly, both that I might save from the everlast- 
ing rejection of the reprobate, as far as in Me lay, 
the wretched Barabbas, thyself, My Child, and the 
whole world ; and that I might leave thee an ex- 
ample full of consolation. 

2. Do not, then, take it amiss, but endure it pa- 



CHAPTER XIV. 



461 



tiently and resignedly with Me, if thou art placed 
beneath others. 

What wonder if thou, who art dust and naught 
of thyself, sufferest thyself to be placed, for My 
sake, below others, when I, the Lord and God of 
all, allowed Myself for thee to be cast beneath the 
meanest of mortals? 

Since the time thou didst sin, even venially, 
against the divine Majesty, thou didst truly deserve 
to be placed, not only below men, but even below 
irrational beings, which have not injured or offended 
the divine Majesty. 

Wherefore, Child, when I permit thee to be 
put beneath others, be satisfied there, as in a place 
fit for thee. 

And if thou deemest thyself to be placed lower 
than is just, do not, pray, examine too minutely 
the merits of others, nor thy own : but consider 
My example, and descend thou, in thy heart, still 
lower, — knowing that the nearer thou comest to 
Me, by humiliations, the nearer also thou shalt be 
to Me in glory. 

How, indeed, couldst thou be a true Disciple of 
^My Heart, if thou desirest to be the first ; where I 
Myself was the last? Should the Disciple go be- 
fore the Master ? Is it not befitting in a Disciple 
to follow his Master ? 

Wherefore, follow thou Me, and be willingly the 
last with Me. Behold ! how many there are in 
the world who are forced to occupy the last place : 



462 



THE THIRD BOOK. 



and because they do it against their will, therefore 
they do it without comfort, without merit ! Thou, 
My Child, stay cheerfully with Me, and thou shalt 
have no cause for regret. 

3. Happy thou, if, for love of Me, thou art will- 
ing, of thy own accord, to be placed behind ail ! 
For, if thou sufferest after this manner, thou wilt 
sanctify thyself by those things which shall doubt- 
less befall thee. 

Others shall be sometimes exalted, and placed 
like lights upon the candlestick : thou shalt be 
overlooked, and put under the bushel. 

What others ask, they shall readily obtain, and 
they shall be thought to deserve it : what thou 
askest, shall appear unreasonable, or thou shalt be 
deemed undeserving of the object. 

What others say shall be looked upon as well- 
suited, or even as decisive : what thou sayest shall 
seem unsuitable or absurd. 

Others shall complain at pleasure, and many will 
sympathize with them : thou, when suffering under 
pains or hardships, if, forced by necessity, thou 
darest to speak, shalt be thought disturbed in thy 
imagination. 

The defects of others shall be dignified with an 
honorable name : thy virtues shall be esteemed as 
the effects of a weak mind. 

Others they shall humor : but thee they shall put 
down; and plead as an excuse, that thou dost not 



V 



CHAPTER XIV. 463 

only deserve this, but that thou standest in need 
of it. 

Not a few such things, My Child, whereby thou 
niayst be placed below others, shalt befall thee : 
and, when they occur, nature will be grievously af- 
flicted. But strengthen thy courage, and, in spite 
of nature, continue with Me, preferring to be the 
last with Me, rather than the first without Me. 

Do not only gladly suffer that thou be placed 
behind others, but wherever thou art, and canst do 
so lawfully, take the lowest place for thyself : 
there, Child, there thou shalt find Me, there thou 
shalt have Me with thee. 

If thou do this, He that raises the lowly, will 
one day say to thee: Friend, go up higher. And then 
thou shalt have glory before the Angels and Saints. 

4. If the dignity of thy state or office elevate thee 
above the rest, let the humility of thy heart, in a 
becoming manner, place thee, for love of Me, below 
the same. Thus thou wilt be enabled to imitate 
Me, — to whom all power is given, — merit much for 
thyself, and be more useful to others. 

Neither do thou imagine that this kind of con- 
duct is in any wise hurtful to thy authority. For, 
although it is proper and necessary that a Superior 
do uphold his authority, he cannot better do this 
than by that humble charity, which does not merely 
hold the outward man in submission, but which 
also captivates the heart itself, keeps, and fills it 
with love, confidence, and every good disposition- 



464 



THE THIRD BOOK. 



Do not reserve for thyself the greater and more 
showy performances, and leave to thy subjects what 
is of less importance, and more humble : on the con- 
trary, as much as possible, reserve the latter for 
thyself, and assign the former to thy inferiors. 
Thus thou wilt follow My example, gain the good 
will of subjects, and stimulate their courage. 

Bv so doing, thou shalt better accomplish more 
things by means of thy subjects, than thou canst do 
by thyself : and whilst thou art placed over others, 
thou shalt, as their companion, yea as their min- 
ister, be seen with Me. 

5. As much as it is left to thee, choose rather to 
be subject than to have command : nay more, where- 
soever thou mayst be placed, shun every word and 
sign which may display thy worth, talents, or other 
gifts and accomplishments, — none of which things 
should be made subjects of vanity. 

Do not meddle in the affairs of others, as if thou 
wouldst better or control them : neither do thou 
show thyself ready, unless virtue demand it, to 
give advice, as if thou wert skillful. 

Suffer willingly that others excel thee in science 
and other matters, even in outward virtues : do 
thou carefully what thou canst, for the rest rely 
upon the divine good pleasure, and glory with Me 
in thy humiliations. 

Know thou that only then thou hast attained to 
true holiness, when, for love of Me, thou rejoicest, 



CHAPTER XIV. 



465 



that, in fact, or by efficacious affection, thou art 
with Me in the lowest place. 

But, if as yet thou art unable to attain to this so 
perfectly : pray, Child, and use thy endeavors ; and 
thou shalt come to it afterward. 

6. The voice of the Disciple. — Lord God, my 
Saviour, how divine is Thy life ! how sublime the 
doctrine of Thy Heart's example ! Who can un- 
derstand it fully, except whomso Thou teachest 
inwardly by the unction of Thy Spirit ? 

Alas, Lord Jesus ! hitherto I have been without 
understanding : until now, I have aspired to the 
highest place, although I beheld Thee in the lowest. 

Wretched me ! how greatly have I erred ! I left 
Thee alone in Thy humiliations, and, blind and 
alone, I withdrew far from Thee : I estranged my- 
self far from Thy Heart. 

Vain and wayward, I strove to excel among men, 
and to make for myself some name, whilst my con- 
science bore witness, that, on account of my sins, — 
whereby I placed Thee, Jesus ! not only behind 
Barabbas, but, by an excess of malice and ungrate- 
fulness, behind the very demon, — I deserved to be 
cast beneath the feet of all, and to be filled with 
confusion before heaven and earth. 

I am unworthy, Lord Jesus, to be with Thee, 
even in the last place. But since, in the infinite 
goodness of Thy Heart, Thou hast so mercifully 
reclaimed me, I trust Thou wilt kindly give me a 
place near Thee. 



466 



THE THIRD BOOK. 



Thou hast opened my eyes, to see my error, Thou 
hast moved my heart, to make me love Thy com- 
pany, even amidst humiliations : Grant, I beseech 
Thee, grant me grace, give me courage, that, for 
love of Thee, I may willingly persevere therein 
with Thee. 



CHAPTER XV. 

HOW, BY VOLUNTARY MORTICATIONS, IT BEHOOVES 
US TO FOLLOW THE MOST SACRED HEART OF 
JESUS SCOURGED. 

1. The voice of Jems.— Behold ! My Child, Pi- 
late, seeing that, contrary to what he expected, 
Barabbas was preferred to Me by the Jews, stood 
amazed ; but, believing Me nevertheless innocent, 
he was still anxious to release Me, and, at the same 
time, to gratify the people. 

Seeking to serve two masters, — on the one hand 
to please men, on the other to satisfy his conscience, 
— he tried another means, full of injustice and cru- 
elty, in order to rescue Me. 

For he resolved to place Me in such a condition, 
that men, if they still possessed human feelings, 
should not be able to look upon Me, without being 
moved to commiseration. 



CHAPTER XV. 



467 



I find no cause, said he, in this man : I will, 
therefore, chastise and release Him. And imme- 
diately he ordered Me to be seized and cruelly 
scourged. 

And behold ! forthwith the soldiers tied Me to a 
pillar : and now they lacerate My Flesh with con- 
tinuous stripes and countless wounds : they vie suc- 
cessively with each other to multiply the blows and 
increase My torments. 

Lo ! blood streams on every side ; it crimsons 
everything ; it besprinkles the very scourgers. 
These, mad with rage, exert themselves more 
fiercely, tear off the flesh with their lashes and 
scatter it around ! 

Let us cut Him off, they shout, let us cut Him 
off, from the land of the living, and let His name 
be remembered no more ! 

At this heart-rending sight, the heavens were 
moved : the Angels themselves stood astounded at 
the excessive love of My Heart for men. 

2. Thou, My Child, ponder thou attentively and 
compassionately these torments of Mine; and learn 
how grievous, how horrifying, are the sins of the 
flesh, which required such an atonement. Do not 
these wounds cry aloud upon all, that, at least through 
pity, they should cease to gratify the desires of the 
flesh, and not continue to heap up new sorrows ? 

Learn, also, how great is the love of My Heart, 
whereby I, the innocent, of My own accord, under- 
went the punishments of the guilty. Yea, Child, 



468 



THE THIRD BOOK. 



love, the ardent desire of saving all, brought it 
about, that with all My Heart I gave My immacu- 
late Body to the strikers, and willingly bore the 
appalling tortures of the scourging. 

Learn, too, how thou oughtest to treat that body 
of thine, which, conceived in sin, grown up amidst 
its passions, is ever prone to evil. 

See, what the Saints did learn : observe, in what 
manner they mortified their members, how they 
afflicted their senses. 

How many among them, who never lost their 
first innocence, yet never ceased to wage a fierce 
war against their flesh, who subdued their frail 
body, and, by every kind of mortification, brought 
it under perfect subjection ! 

Their hearts were like to My Heart, and, there- 
fore, they produced similar fruits in their body. 
Neither would they at all have thought themselves 
happy, unless herein also they had in some way 
conformed themselves to Me. 

3. "Wherefore, Child, even if thou art just, mor- 
tify thy flesh, both that it may not rise up and de- 
stroy thee ; and, especially, that thou mayst assimi- 
late thyself to Me, and thus sanctify thyself. 

Many there are, lovers of self, sensual men, al- 
though unwilling to be considered such, who do not 
relish the mortifying of the flesh, and who are ever 
ready with some pretense to exempt themselves 
from mortification. 

Foolish and deluded souls ! Verily, verily, un- 



CHAPTER XV. 



469 



less ye do penance, ye shall all likewise perish. If 
any one, though he seem a Saint or an Angel, say 
the contrary, let him be anathema. 

Remember what the Spirit says : " They that are 
Christ's, have crucified their flesh with its vices and 
concupiscences." 

The prudence of the flesh is death : the prudence 
of the spirit, life, and peace, and joy. 

Wherefore, if ye live according to the flesh, ye 
shall die : but if by the spirit ye mortify the deeds 
of the flesh, ye shall live, and enjoy peace and joy 
of heart. 

4. My Child, rouse thyself by the spirit of love, 
whereby My Heart submitted to the cruel scourg- 
ing, and thou shalt find mortification easy, and ex- 
perience its sweet and saving effects. 

There is no time when, nor place where, thou 
canst not, occasionally, practice the mortification of 
some one of the senses. 

Besides, wheresoever thou art, shouldst thou not 
be more eager to mortify thy body, for the sake of 
following Me and gaining heaven, than sinners are 
so to gratify their flesh as to renew My flagellation, 
and to deserve for themselves the pains of hell ? 

Come then, My Child, have no fear. Voluntary 
mortification is the way of life, of freedom, of tran- 
quillity, of virtue, of sanctity. 

Blessed are they that walk in this way ! their 
happiness is known only to them that have tried the 
same. 



470 



THE TflIRD BOOK. 



5. He that does not mortify himself in things in- 
different and lawful, will hardly mortify himself in 
those that are necessary and unlawful. 

If thou wilt learn to mortify thyself in what is 
great, constantly mortify thyself in what is small. 

Now the curiosity of the eyes, now the eagerness 
of hearing things new ; again, the desire of utter- 
ing what is useless, again the wish of smelling what 
is pleasant; then the inclination to experience that 
which flatters the touch, again the greediness to eat 
or drink without a sufficient reason ; and again, the 
intention of doing that whereby others may be in- 
commoded ; these, and similar things, may be a 
matter of frequent, nay, in some manner, of con- 
tinual mortification. 

These, My Child, will be for thee faithful guar- 
dians of innocence : these will be aliments of di- 
vine love : these will preserve fervor in thy heart : 
these will be unceasing sacrifices offered upon the 
altar of the inner sanctuary, which, united to the 
sacrifices of My Heart, shall forever mount up be- 
fore the throne of the Most High as an odor of 
sweetness. 

These things little, but frequently occurring 
every day, are useful and proper for all, for the 
young and the old ; for the weak and the strong ; 
for those beginning, for those advancing, for those 
perfect : nor can any one exempt himself from them 
without the disgraceful mark of lukewarmness. 

In these there is no risk of health for any one : 



CHAPTER XV. 



471 



for these there is no need of special permission : 
these are safe and wholesome for all. 

6. But all cannot equally undertake great mor- 
tifications : for all have not the same need, nor the 
same bodily strength ; nor, in fine, the same vo- 
cation. 

Wherefore, it is advisable, for each one to lay 
open his circumstances to a spiritual director, to 
decide with him the measure of mortifications, not 
to undertake anything extraordinary without con- 
sulting him, lest for the appearance of a good he 
lose a real good, or lest he render himself unfit for 
what is better. 

Among mortifications, those are to be preferred 
which, by their nature, are thought better suited to 
subject the senses to the spirit and to grace, and 
which dispose thee better, courageously to endure 
hardships, after My example. 

But before all others, those should be embraced 
which are prescribed by Me, by the Church, by Su- 
periors. These are practiced with more holiness and 
security than those which are undertaken by free 
choice : these produce more plentiful and more 
precious fruits, since to mortification the virtue 
and merit of obedience are added. 

My Child, if thou gratefully rememberest, how I 
was wounded for thee, how I was bruised for thy 
iniquities, thou wilt apply thyself, with the Apos- 
tle, to bear My marks in thy body, and so to live, 
that My life be made manifest in thine. 



472 



TIIE THIRD BOOK. 



7. The voice of the Disciple. — my Jesus and 
my God ! Thou art truly a roan of sorrows ; for be- 
hold, I gaze upon Thee scourged, and I see that Thou 
hast neither beauty nor comeliness, as a leper, and 
one stricken, so that there is no sightliness in 
Thee ! 

Whence, alas ! whence art Thou reduced to this 
extremity ? I, a vile wretch, have cruelly sinned, 
for which Thou, God Supreme, atonest by stripes 
so great and countless, by wounds so cruel and nu- 
merous. 

what a Heart is Thine, Lord Jesus ! how great 
the excess of Thy love, that Thou didst endure such 
things for me ! most loving, most sweet Jesus ! 
how powerful a reason for trusting in Thee, however 
wretched I may be! how urging an incitement to 
love Thee in return, with my whole heart ! 

But how monstrous, how horrible were my con- 
duct, if, whilst I am bound to requite Thee with a 
grateful love for evermore, I were to renew Thy 
torments by my sins ! 

It were better a thousand times here to die be- 
fore Thee, than to become guilty of so unutterable 
a crime. Yea, Lord, for love of Thee, I choose 
rather here to expire, than to sin against Thee. 

That I may efficaciously avoid this, grant me the 
grace constantly to keep my body in subjection, 
and on all occasions to mortify my senses. 

Give me, I beseech Thee, a fervent love for Thee : 
and behold ! mortification will be to me the lifa 



CHAPTER XVI. 



473 



whereby I live for Thee, follow Thee, unceasingly 
worship Thee, daily offer to Thee, now a sacrifice 
of praise, or thankfulness, then a victim of some 
feeling or inclination, again a burnt-offering of my 
whole heart. 



CHAPTER XVI. 

HOW, FROM THE EXAMPLE OF THE MOST SACRED 
HEART OF JESUS, WE SHOULD LEARN TO ENDURE 
BODILY AILMENTS AND PAINS. 

1. The voice of Jesus. — My Child, after the 
scourging, whilst My whole body was dripping with 
blood, behold, the soldiers led Me into the fore-court 
of the governor's residence, and there gathered to- 
gether the whole band. 

And platting a crown of thorns, they placed the 
same cruelly upon My head, and a reed in My right 
hand. 

And they came one by one, and bending the knee 
before Me, they mocked Me : and rising, they took 
the reed and struck My head with the same, so that 
the points of the thorns, driven in ever deeper, 
pierced My head on every side. 

Now, Child, had My suffering come to an un- 
utterable excess ; and even to My latest sigh, as 
40 



474 



THE THIRD BOOK. 



long as the crown remained, were they to go on 
with ever-increasing violence. 

Behold, I dragged Myself, My limbs broken, My 
joints bruised, all My senses sickly, weary, and, 
through the excess of pain, hardly under My control ! 

From the sole of the foot, even to the top of My 
head, there was in Me no soundness, neither within 
nor without. 

2. My Child, thou wilt never more perfectly un- 
derstand these torments of My Passion, than when 
thou shalt suffer similar ones ; when thou feelest 
thy body writhing with pain, and thy soul undone 
by afflictions. 

When man is despoiled of fortune, reputation, or 
other external possessions, it is hard, indeed, and 
distressing to nature : but it is much harder and 
much more distressful to be tortured by the pains 
of bodily ailments. 

For in these outward things, by greatness of 
soul, with the aid of grace, a person can raise him- 
self so far as either to forget, or not to heed, the 
cause and effect of his troubles : but, in bodily ail- 
ments, he cannot avoid feeling that which he feels, 
and, whatsoever he may do, always and everywhere 
he has his aching self with him. 

However, if sickness is the greater pain, it pro- 
cures also greater advantages for him that suffers 
rightly. 

Wherefore, Child, let it be thy chief care to en- 
dure the same with a heart well-disposed, and to 



CHAPTER XVI. 



475 



follow therein, as mucli as thou canst, the dispo- 
sitions of My Heart. 

3. And first, when thou feelest any indisposition, 
accept it as a dispensation of the love of My Heart, 
and say, at least interiorly : Blessed be the Lord, 
because He has visited His servant ! And although 
thou feelest that thou dost so only with difficulty, 
do not neglect it : for thou wilt thereby more easily 
overcome reluctant nature, and gain the more merit. 

Next, resign thyself to the divine Will, in the 
best manner thou art able : and renew this holy 
resignation as frequently as possible, being assured 
that thou shalt derive thence the greatest strength 
and comfort. 

Afterward, unite thy sufferings with Mine, and 
this by repeated acts, for various ends, which thy 
need, advantage, or even thy piety may require. 

By this divine union, which overflows with the 
unction of grace, thy afflictions will be soothed, 
and will become for thee lighter and sweeter. 

Lastly, to help thee to persevere, and to possess 
thy soul in peace, constantly withdraw, so far as 
possible, thy attention and even thy thoughts from 
the causes of thy sufferings, and from the suffer- 
ings themselves : and direct thy mind to My exam- 
ple and the unconquerable patience of the Saints, 
and think how boundless, how sweet a reward thou 
shalt obtain in heaven, unless thou lose it by vol- 
untary impatience. 

4. Meanwhile, Child, — since thou needest much 



476 



THE THIRD BOOK. 



grace, and canst of thyself do nothing profitable, — 
according to thy strength, persist in prayer : espe- 
cially in short and fervent aspirations, addressing 
Me in these or similar terms : Behold, Lord, he 
whom Thou didst love even to the death, is sick . . . 
Lord, grant me patience . . . Give me resignation. 
. . . Grant me to be united with Thee unto the 
end. 

And, if thy infirmity increases, thou wilt exhibit 
a conduct most worthy of a Disciple of My Heart, 
if thou dost actually offer to Me thy body, as a liv- 
ing victim, and accept death, at a time and in the 
manner, which may be most pleasing to Me. 

Know, My Child, that, whatsoever thou mayst do 
to the contrary, thou shalt occasionally be much 
inclined to dejection of spirits. Remember that 
this is the effect of sickly and languishing nature, 
whereby thou shouldst not at all be made uneasy. 
Only take care thou do not yield to it, or indulge 
it of thy own accord. For, by giving scope and 
indulgence to the same, thou wouldst both increase 
thy sufferings, and render thy very heart ill-dis- 
posed. 

If at any time thy suffering and anguish should 
bring thee so far as to be hardly able to use the 
powers of thy soul with consciousness, remain thou 
quietly in My arms : neither do thou endeavor, 
with violence or anxiety, to excite within thee any 
acts or affections, but be satisfied with remaining 
calmly resigned to Me. 



CHAPTER XVI. 



477 



Blessed is lie, that, in sickness, adheres persever- 
ingly to the saving divine Will. For, so long 
as he is united to the divine good pleasure, he 
reposes upou My Heart, and all is safe. 

My Child, do not be despondent in mind, nor 
feel distressed on account of the greatness or the 
length of thy sufferings : remember that several of 
the Saints dragged out a long life amidst the pains 
of sickness, and thereby sanctified themselves, be- 
cause they were resigned : and reflect, that, however 
great and lasting thy pain may be, it is as nothing 
compared to the unmeasured and ever-enduring joy, 
whereby thy patience shall be rewarded in heaven. 

Call to mind, that My torments and My martyr- 
dom lasted as long as My life : and remember, that 
I endured all this willingly for love of thee. By 
these things thou shalt be much assisted to bear 
with constancy thy afflictions, for love of Me. 

5. Show not thyself voluntarily peevish or impa- 
tient toward them that take care of thee. Thy ill- 
ness will often make them appear to thee careless 
or neglectful. 

So often as it is needful or useful, thou mayst 
freely manifest with humility and charity, whatso- 
ever thou thinkest is necessary or advantageous for 
thee. But, meanwhile, thou shouldst feel so dis- 
posed, that, whether thy desire be granted or re- 
fused, thou do continue calm and resigned. 

Do thou patiently bear, as not the least portion 
of thy illness, whatsoever thou mayst have to en- 



478 



THE THIRD BOOK. 



dure from them that have care of thee. For, under 
the disagreeable circumstances wherein thou art 
placed, this may have great merit. 

6. Beware, My Child, lest, under pretense of in- 
firmity, thou indulge the flesh. Herein do many 
err, who by sickness are not only not made better, 
but rather worse, becoming lovers of the body, and 
slaves of their passions. 

Give to the body what is due to the body : but 
neither in good nor in ill health, neither in life nor 
in death, do thou minister food to the inordinate 
propensities of the flesh ; which, as in health, so 
also in sickness are dangerous, and, therefore, to be 
mortified. 

Do thou, in a spirit of mortification, submit to 
unpleasant remedies, and to the use of bitter or un- 
savory drugs. This mortification is the inore pre- 
cious, and a proof of purer love for Me, as it is 
more irksome and farther removed from natural 
inclination. 

7. Whilst thou art sick, Child, do not trouble 
thyself with desires of attending to thy office or 
employment, of laboring for thyself or others, of 
performing works of piety ; or, in fine, of doing 
other good things, which are incompatible with thy 
infirmity. 

Such things serve for naught, except to cause thee 
useless affliction, to disquiet thee to no good pur- 
pose, and to displease Me. 

Those things I do not now require of thee, My 



CHAPTER XVI. 



479 



Child ; what I demand for the present is, that thou 
suffer with a good heart, and be resigned to the 
divine Will. 

Do now what I desire of thee ; and leave all the 
rest to My Providence, that knows how to order 
everything rightly without thee. 

8. Look to it, My Child, that, when sick, thou 
be not anxious to follow thy own guidance. For 
it is especially at this time that, being blinded, 
thouwouldst blindly lead thyself into some precipice. 

Hearken religiously to thy Superiors, and suffer 
thyself to be directed by Me through them. Honor 
the physician for the need thou hast of him, and 
obey him in simplicity of heart. 

Do not harm thyself, through negligence or care- 
lessness, whilst thou art sick : but use remedies in 
a reasonable manner, praying G-od, from whom is 
all healing, that, if it be for thy good, He may 
deign to heal thee. 

Having done so, how serious soever the disease 
may be, believe that it is something advantageous 
for thee, since it is the divine Will. 

Come, Child, be willingly a martyr to suffering for 
My love, who, through every excess of pains, am 
become the Chief of all Martyrs. 

Have patience, Child of My Heart, have pa- 
tience : behold ! still a little while, thy grief shall 
be turned into joy, and I Myself, — who, for love of 
thee, was crowned with thorns, — I will erown thee 
with honor and glory. 



480 



THE THIRD BOOK. 



9. The voice of the Disciple. — Blessed art Thou, 
Lord, who didst visit Thy servant, that in time, 
Thou mayst mercifully prepare me for eternity ! 

O my God, heavenly Healer of men ! behold, to 
Thy keeping I intrust my body and soul. Thou 
knowest what is best for me : do with me whatso- 
ever Thou wilt, according to the goodness of Thy 
Heart. 

'I suffer much, Lord Jesus; Thou knowest it. 
Assist me with Thy grace : strengthen me with Thy 
love. If Thou wilt that my pain be pasting, in- 
crease Thy grace, increase my patience. 

Whatsoever I endure, I unite with Thy suffer- 
ings, so much more painful than mine, and I im- 
plore Thee, that Thou direct all to Thy honor and 
my salvation. 

Grant me this great favor, which I humbly beg 
of Thee, through Thy most benign Heart, that 
Thou keep me inseparably united with Thee, and 
thus lead me to the end of my miseries, to bliss 
everlasting. 



CHAPTER XVII. 



481 



CHAPTER XVII. 

HOW, AFTER THE EXAMPLE OP THE MOST SACRED 
HEART OP JESUS, WE OUGHT TO ACCEPT DEATH. 

1. The voice of Jesus. — M) Child, Pilate led Me 
forth, weariDg a crown of thorn* and a purple gar- 
ment, and showing Me to all tile people, he said : 
" Behold the man !" 

The Jews seeing Mr, were not only not softened, 
but, on the contrary, thirsted more eagerly for the 
remainder of My Blood ; and all shouted with one 
accord : Crucify, crucify Him ! 

Pilate, being again disappointed, and fearing 
even more than before, said : " I find no cause in 
Him." But they insisted the more, and threatened 
him : " If thou releasest this one," they cried, 
<l thou art not a friend of Cesar. " 

Seeing that he could not give freedom to Me 
without losing the favor of the people, and, prob- 
ably, that of Cesar, Pilate formed to himself a false 
conscience, and thus fell into a fatal delusion. For, 
washing his hands before the people, he said : " I 
am innocent of the Blood of this Just one : look 
ye to it." But they shouted : " His Blood be upon 
us and upon our children !" 

Then Pilate decided that their request should 
be granted, and Me, whom he had again and again 
41 



482 



THE THIRD BOOK. 



found and declared innocent, he delivered up to 
their will, that I might be crucified. 

2. Oh ! My Child, who shall tell what My 
Heart then felt? Behold ! I had come down from 
heaven to console and save the world : I had strug- 
gled in heat and cold, I had endured hunger and 
thirst, I had spent My life by ceaseless labor and 
endless suffering ; I had, finally, sacrificed every- 
thing, to make all men happy : and must I at last 
receive from them, as a requital, death, yea the 
death of the Cross ! 

How great a sorrow rushed upon My Heart at 
so black an ungratefulness, so horrid an iniquity of 
men ! How great a grief at the obdurateness of 
the hearts of those, who, spurning felicity, devoted 
themselves, of their own accord, to destruction ! 
How great a torment at the aflliction of My most 
compassionate Mother, and beloved Disciples, from 
whom I saw Myself torn away not only cruelly, 
but also disgracefully ! 

Nevertheless, the sentence of death I embraced 
with My Heart resigned, because I regarded not 
the unheard-of wickedness of those that condemned 
Me, but considered the good pleasure of My heav- 
enly Father. 

For My Father, in His infinite Wisdom, wished 
to draw the greatest good, the Redemption of the 
world, from the greatest crime, whereof He disap- 
proved, and that they were committing by an abuse 
of their free will. 



CHAPTER XVII. 



483 



Therefore, in spite of the feelings of My suffer- 
ing human nature, I submitted with a certain su- 
pernatural joy to a death, whereby the world was 
to be saved, heaven opened, the divine Majesty ap- 
peased and honored, My Heart Itself loved in re- 
turn, and exalted for endless eternity. 

Study these dispositions of My Heart, Child : 
put on these sentiments : and, as much as thou art 
able, accept with the same affections the death 
which thou must undergo. 

3. My Heart, — knowing that men naturally 
shrink from death, and dread it as the most terrific 
of all things on earth, on account of the past, the 
present, and the future, — did not suffer them to be 
without an example, whereby they might rightly 
be instructed and sweetly comforted. 

Be not, then, troubled, nor astonished, My Child, 
if thou feelest a vehement horror and repugnance 
of nature when death is approaching, either actu- 
ally or prospectively. In this there is no harm : it 
is wholly natural, which, if thou wilt, may prove 
advantageous to thee. 

Only do not yield to the feelings of nature, lest, 
perchance, they render thee ill-disposed ; or hinder 
thee from being resigned to the divine Will, — to 
which all things natural and created must be sub- 
missive. 

Patiently endure every natural repugnance, and 
use the same as an occasion to practice great vir- 
tues, and to gather many merits. 



484 



THE THIRD BOOK. 



4. My Child, suffer not thy imagination to stray, 
neither follow thou natural reason in order to in- 
vestigate the dispensations of divine Providence ; 
nor do thou give in to thy own will, how good or 
holy soever it may appear, lest thou fall into a dan- 
gerous delusion. 

But, thy imagination being restrained, subject 
both thy reason and thy will to Me : thus thou wilt 
merit not a little, and, at the same time, remain 
tranquil and secure. 

If thou feelest pain or uneasiness, by reason of 
the objects or persons that death obliges thee to 
leave behind, let not thy heart be disturbed. For 
this anxiety could not be of any avail to them, 
neither to thyself, but it might, on the contrary, be 
very hurtful. 

When thou hast done for them what thou art 
obliged or able to do, intrust them all to Me, who 
know thy circumstances, and who, according to the 
love of My Heart, will have a much better care of 
thine than thou art able to bestow. 

Be mindful of My example, Child ; reflect, how 
I abandoned them that were dear to Me, and com- 
mitted them to the divine good pleasure. With 
this do thou occupy thyself, with this be thou com- 
forted. 

5. Do not sadden thyself, My Child, because thou 
thinkest thyself about to depart this life. For what 
is life upon earth except a continued annoyance ? 
What is it to abide in this world, except to remain 



CHAPTER XVII. 



485 



in exile? What, in fine, is it to dwell among men, 
except to sojourn away from Me and My Angels? 

If thou lookest rightly at the matter, when I 
call thee, better is death for thee, than a life of bit- 
terness. For death is the end of the ills of this 
world ; and departure thence to Me, the beginning 
of blessings, which know neither change nor termi- 
nation. 

The voice of the Disciple. — But, Lord Jesus, 
if I knew that, after death, I should be among the 
Saints with Thee, I would assuredly not be grieved, 
but I would rejoice indeed : yet, at this I tremble, 
by this I am tortured, that I know not what is to 
be, whether I may be judged worthy of love or of 
hatred : whether, consequently, a happy or an un- 
happy eternity awaits me. 

The voice of Jesus. — Why fearest thou, or why 
art thou in vain filled with anxiety. My Child? 
Know thou, that a person who is sincerely willing 
to be saved and to co-operate, for this purpose, with 
grace, — from how wicked soever a way of life he 
may turn himself, — shall not be cast off by Me, 
who desire that all be saved. 

Hold this for certain, that for him, who does 
what he is able to do, I will supply the rest. Do 
then peacefully what thou canst, and throw thyself 
upon My Heart : here, Child, here thou shalt never 
perish. 

Be, therefore, quiet, and, as far as thou art able, 



486 



THE THIRD BOOK. 



prepare thyself for thy passage from time into 
eternity. 

6. And first, offer thyself to Me, with a submis- 
sive heart, and pray, that I may accept thy death 
in union with Mine, as a sacrifice to atone for all 
thy offenses, to satisfy for all thy debts, to render 
due worship to the divine Majesty, and to testify 
thy love for Me. 

Then, with all thy heart, forgive wholly every 
one of thy enemies, all thy neighbors, who have 
injured or offended thee in any matter whatsoever. 

Next, with all diligence, receive the holy Sacra- 
ments, with which the Church, in her motherly soli- 
citude, is careful to strengthen thee, that in the last 
struggle thou mayst be enabled to obtain victoiy, 
and enter heaven in triumph. 

Finally, resign thypelf altogether into My hands, 
desirous of dying, not when or in what manner 
thou mayst wish, but when and in what manner 
I may prefer. Thou knowest neither the time nor 
the circumstances which are the best for thee; but I 
know them, Child, and under these, if thou dost 
not voluntarily put a hindrance thereto, I will call 
thee to Me. 

Wherefore, resign thyself entirely to Me, by an 
absolute surrender of thyself into My hands; and 
be persuaded that thou canst do nothing better than 
conform thyself wholly to the divine good pleasure, 
and sacrifice thyself as a holocaust of the same. If 
thou dost this thou wilt be saved. 



CHAPTER XVII. 



487 



7. How happy he, My Child, who thus prepares 
himself for death, and keeps himself in readiness ! 
For him doubtless death is safe and blissful ; for 
him death brings no evil, but, on the contrary, a 
great and manifold good. 

For, behold ! thy Father, who is in heaven ; thy 
mother, the Queen of heaven ; thy companions, 
the holy Angels ; thy Brethren, all the Elect ; thy 
true and permanent country ; thy glory and bless- 
edness : all these are in the other life, and, except 
in the other life, thou canst not enjoy them fully. 

Now, Child, death is the only gate through 
which thou art able to pass from this life into the 
next. Is it not, then, a happy hour, when I Myself 
will open for thee the door to such possessions? 

Meanwhile, until the time comes, when I will 
open for thee, act, suffer generously ; endure perse- 
veringly : I am with thee in thy toil and tribu- 
lation ; and, unless by a voluntary act thou set Me 
aside, I will continue with thee, until I introduce 
thee into My kingdom, into the fellowship of the 
Saints and Angels. 

8. The voice of the Disciple. — O most sweet 
Jesus ! how great a consolation dost Thou pour into 
my soul from Thy affectionate Heart. If the unc- 
tion of Thy secret communion is so delightful, what 
will be the very possession of Thyself in the king- 
dom of Thy glory! 

Yea, Lord, introduce me into Thy kingdom : for 
I long to be released and to be with Thee. 



488 



THE THIRD BOOK. 



Draw my soul from her prison, that, from the 
dungeon of this miserable life, I may pass to the 
freedom of the heavenly country, from all these 
misfortunes to bliss never-ending. 

Jesus, my God and my Father ! whose child I 
am, lingering here in the land of the stranger, if. — 
as I hope from Thy Heart, so infinitely good, — I am 
to enjoy Thee for evermore, why is not the little re- 
mainder of my life engulfed by eternity ? Why 
am I not even now with Thee, to love Thee per- 
fectly, to sing Thy mercies forever, to praise, to ex- 
tol without end, without measure, the kindness, the 
love of Thy Heart ? 

So long as I stay here, I am in danger of losing 
Thee alike and myself: so long as I carry about 
this mortal body, I can neither avoid all defects? 
nor love Thee so much as I desire. 

Lord Jesus ! when I consider these things, 
for Thy sake, my soul is weary of life. However, 
not as I will, but as Thou wilt : Thy will be done as 
it is in heaven, so also upon earth. For love of 
Thee, I choose rather to incur that danger, to un- 
dergo those bitter things according to Thy Will? 
than by my own will to escape from them. 

Only do Thou remain with me : and keep me 
resigned to Thee, united with Thee during the rest 
of this life, unto life everlasting. 

Thou life of the present ! all ye things visi- 
ble ! what are ye, when beheld from the threshold 



CHAPTER XVIII. 



489 



of eternity ! seen thence, ye appear what ye are, 
bright and empty vapors. 

eternity ! object unutterable ! great thoughts 
do I form concerning thee : but greater are in thee : 
tilings infinite are in thee, which eye lias not beheld, 
nor ear heard, nor the human heart conceived. 

everlasting abode of all that have received 
rational life ! soon I shall be in thee : soon I shall 
behold thy wonders : at any moment, when comes 
the Bridegroom, whom my soul loves, it may be 
opened to me: so soon as it is opened, behold! 
leaning upon the Heart of my Beloved, I enter to- 
gether with Him. Yea, Lord Jesus, my love for- 
evermore ! 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

WITH WHAT DISPOSITION OF HEART. AFTER THE 
EXAMPLE OF THE MOST SACRED HEART OF 
JESUS, WE OUGHT TO FEEL AFFECTED TOWARD 
THE CROSS. 

1. The voice of Jesus. — My Child, when the sen- 
tence of death had been pronounced against Me, 
everything was prepared with the utmost dispatch 
for its execution. Behold, the cross stood already 
waiting for Me. 

Bound, therefore, all covered with blood, torn 
with stripes and wounds, I was led to the cross: 
v?hen I beheld it, My Heart warming up, sighed 



490 



THE THIRD BOOK. 



out: Hail, hail, dear cross, always loved, unceas- 
ingly desired, at last prepared for Me! sacred 
cross ! through thee I will conquer, through thee I 
will triumph, through thee I will reign. 

Then, embracing the cross and pressing it fondly 
to My Heart, I bedewed it with My tears and My 
Blood : next I placed it upon My shoulders, in the 
sight of the world, before the gaze of heaven. 

Surrounded by the thousands of Jews and Gen- 
tiles, in the holy City, in the full light of mid-day, 
clad in My own garment, I marched onward carry- 
ing My own cross. 

Behold, Child, I go to raise the cross upon the 
mountain, the standard of My kingdom, against the 
prince of the world : and to paint upon My stand- 
ard, with My own Blood, the indelible watchword 
of My own : " The love of Jesus sacrificing Him- 
self for the love of man,'' in opposition to the 
watchword of worldlings: "Love of the pleasures, 
riches, honors of the world." 

By this My watchword, by this sign thou wilt 
conquer, My Child; but the enemies, erring in their 
watchword and sign, shall fall. 

2. Beneath the banner of the cross men will flock 
together from every nation, and people, and tribe 
of the earth ; and they will be united among them- 
selves with Me. 

Under this banner, My Disciples will know Me 
as their Leader, and, animated with love for Me, 
they will follow Me cheerfully. 



CHAPTER XVIII. 



491 



Under this banner all they who are Mine will 
fight; will triumph over hell, the world, them- 
selves, and bear off the kingdom of heaven itself. 

Come ye, then, come ye all, and what ye shall 
see me do, do ye also: let each one take up his 
cross and follow Me, his eyes ever fixed upon Me, 
marching onward with a great courage and dilated 
heart, nowhere turning, neither to the right nor to 
the left. 

All ye. that shall have accompanied Me, shall be 
partakers of an assured victory, of an everlasting 
reward : but the more closely any one shall have 
followed Me, and with the greater courage of love 
lie shall have behaved, the more close shall he be 
to Me in glory, the greater shall he be in My ever- 
lasting kingdom. 

Let none forget the watchword : let . none desert 
the banner : but let each one be prepared to con- 
quer or to die for the watchword beneath that 
banner, altogether assured, that, if so disposed, 
whether he live or die, he shall be My companion, 
and, therefore, the partaker of My most certain 
victory. 

3. I, My Child, never abandoned the cross : but 
I clung to the cross, I persevered on the cross, I 
expired on the cross, conquering and triumphing. 

Happy the soul, that, animated with My senti- 
ments, lovingly embraces the cross, and keeps to it 
faithfully ! Her does the cross keep near Me ; it 
does not cast down, but it raises up ; it does not 



492 



THE THIRD BOOK. 



encumber, but it leads easily to the hight of sanc- 
tity, to the final triumph. 

Wherefore, Child, thou shouldst remain with Me 
under the cross, live under the cross, die under the 
cross, if thou wilt be made like to Me, and one day 
triumph with Me. 

Listen to none, neither to flesh, nor blood 3 nor 
spirit, that advises thee to forsake the cross.. 

Where, Child, where can it be better than under 
the cross ? The cross is the guide to the everlast- 
ing kingdom : the cross is the wisdom of the Apos- 
tles, the trophy of the Martyrs, the glory of the 
Confessors, the security of the Virgins, the sancti- 
fication of old age, the preservation of youth, the 
condemnation of worldlings, the mirror of religious, 
in fine, the refuge and comfort of all the afflicted. 

If thou fleest from the cross, whither wilt thou 
go? Behold ! thou shalt fall into the camp of the 
enemies ; where thou shalt have not one cross, but 
where manifold torments will meet thee from every 
side, will rush upon thee, will destroy thee. 

There My banner, which breathes the love of My 
Heart, inspires courage and generosity, will not 
incite or console thee ; but the fetters of tyrants, 
under a showy name, will drag thee through thorny 
paths; not to happiness but to misfortune; not to 
joys but to pains ; not to glory but to ignominy. 

Here, under the cross, Child, thou art with Me 
thou hast Me to lead, to guard, to crown thee : here 
thou art in the midst of all the good, the brave, 



CHAPTER XVIII. 



493 



the generous ; here thou art in communion with 
the Elect and the Saints, who have preceded thee, 
and who, whilst living, fought, and, when dying, 
triumphed under the cross : here, in fine, thou 
formest one fellowship, one army with the Angels 
themselves, who, thronging to thy side, protect 
thee, fight along with thee, strive to extend the 
same kingdom. 

Foolishly, therefore, and fatally wouldst thou 
act, shouldst thou think of forsaking the cross, or 
imagine that it can anywhere be better for thee, 
than beneath the cross. 

4. However, since the prince of the wicked 
world and his emissaries are thy enemies, do not 
wonder if they allure thee frequently by imagin- 
ary advantages ; and endeavor, by showy reasons, 
to induce thee to desert the cross, and to pass over 
to them. 

My Child, do not even cast a glance at their false 
advantages, nor hearken thou to their wily subtle- 
ties : but lift thy heart and eyes to Me, who carry 
My banner before thee, and protest, that it is thy 
determined will, to follow Me to every fortune, 
even to death itself. 

Hence, it will come to pass, that the assaults 
and wiles of thy foes will awaken in thy heart a 
greater abhorrence of them, and a more firm ad- 
herence to Me. 

5. But it is not enough for thee, My Child, not 



494 



THE THIRD BOOK. 



to flee from the cross; thou must embrace, thou 
must carry the cross. 

Give heed to this, mark this carefully: do not all 
the faults which thou committest arise from this, 
that thou relusest or hesitatest to embrace and 
carry the cross, which is offered to thee? 

When thou woundest charity, what else is the 
true cause thereof, except that thou declinest to 
undergo the present cross, some humiliation, the 
sacrifice of thy own opinion or natural inclination ? 

Why dost thou offend against holy poverty? is it 
not because thou takest not the cross to thyself ; 
because thou art unwilling to subject thyself to the 
trouble of asking leave, or to expose thyself to a 
refusal? 

Why dost thou trespass against modesty? is it 
not because thou neglectest mortification ; because 
thou dost not embrace this cross? 

Why failest thou in obedience? is it not because 
thou lovest not the cross; because thou dost not 
make the entire sacrifice of thy will and judg- 
ment ? 

Yea, Child, against what virtue soever thou sin- 
nest or offendest, if thou lookest well into it, thou 
wilt find this to be the cause, that thou dost not take 
upon thee nor embrace the cross with a willing heart. 

Nevertheless, a cross of this kind is small and 
light : if thou dost not receive lovingly such a one, 
how wilt thou take up one which is greater and 
heavier ? 



CHAPTER XVIII. 



495 



Look, Child, lest falling into delusion, thou be- 
come worse : like those, who fancy for themselves 
some great cross, and resolve to carry it at some 
future time, and, meanwhile, studiously shun every 
present cross, although less burdensome ; and, when 
placed between the cross and guilt, are wont to 
embrace the latter rather than the former. 

6. What fearest thou? why dreadest thou the 
cross ? Cheer up, My Child : receive the cross, it 
will receive thee, and reward thee in a wonderful 
and manifold way : for, behold ! it will preserve 
thee from uneasiness, from trouble of conscience, 
from anguish of heart, by which others, who prefer 
guilt to the cross, are wont to be tormented ; it will 
guard for thee peace, it will adorn thee with virtues ; 
in fine, it will console thee by its unction. 

Courage, then, My Child ; even if thou experi- 
encest difficulty, do not flag in spirit. Behold! I, 
the guiltless Son of Grod, carry before thee, for love 
of thee, the heaviest cross : do not disdain, for love 
of Me, to carry thy cross after Me. Love, which 
rendered My bitter cross sweet for Me, will also 
render thine sweet. 

Pray frequently, that thou mayst deserve to love 
the cross, together with sanctifying grace, above 
all the good things of this life, — the cross, a folly, 
indeed, to them that perish, but divine wisdom to 
them that are saved : a torment to the enemies, but 
a consoling pledge of everlasting bliss to the Dis- 
ciples of My Heart. 



496 



THE THIRD BOOK. 



Well, then, My Child : come, follow Me : thither 
leads the way whither I will show thee : if thou 
abidest with Me, I will dispose unto thee, as My 
Father has also disposed unto Me, a kingdom. 

7. The voice of the Disciple. — As the Lord lives : 
and as lives the Lord, my King, in whatsoever 
place Thou mayst be, my Lord, whether in death 
or in life, there will be Thy servant. 

Grazing upon Thy standard, and encouraged by 
its motto, I will follow Thee, my Leader, through 
all : if any hardship present itself, mindful of Thy 
watchword, I will repeat: for the love of Jesus, 
who has sacrificed Himself for love of me, I will 
overcome this difficulty: despite the feeling of na- 
ture. I will remain under His banner. 

If armies in camp should stand together against 
me, my heart shall not fear : if a battle should 
rise against me, in Thee will I hope. 

Come, ye companions, behold ! Jesus will be 
King over us : He will march out before us, He 
will fight our battles. 

Let us go out, bearing His reproach : let us 
hasten to the contest placed before us, looking on 
Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith ; who, 
having joy set before Him, endured the cross. 

Let us go and die with Him : if we die together 
with Him, with Him we shall also live : if we en- 
dure with Him, with Him we shall also reign. 



CHAPTER XIX. 



497 



CHAPTER XIX. 

THAT JESUS CRUCIFIED, BY PRAYING FOR HIS EXE- 
CUTIONERS, MANIFESTS THE INFINITE GOODNESS 
OF HIS HEART TOWARD SINNERS, AND THAT, BY 
GRIEVOUS SIN, THESE CRUCIFY HIM ANEW. 

1. The voice of Jesus. — My Child, behold ! at 
last we come in Golgotha, to Mount Calvary. They 
lay down the cross forthwith, they push forward 
and hurry on everything. 

Nor do they, meanwhile, cease to torture Me. 
Nay, they even gave Me wine mingled with myrrh 
and gall. So great was their cruelty ! 

And, when they were now ready, raising a shout, 
they cruelly fasten Me to the cross, driving in the 
nails, with violent and repeated strokes, which the 
valley below re-echoed to the sky, — each one of 
which pierced the Heart of My Mother, there 
present. 

Thus, Child, did they dig My hands and My 
feet: they counted all My bones, which, by the 
stretching of My Body, could be seen distinctly. 

Then couldst thou behold the cross ruthlessly 
raised, and Myself hanging between heaven and 
earth ; whilst the Blood flowed from every wound, 
washing the earth, and crying to heaven for the 
salvation of man. 

And, to increase My torments, they raised on the 
42 



498 



THE THIRD BOOK. 



gallows two thieves, one at My right and one at My 
left, so that I was hanging between them. 

But behold ! so soon as I was elevated on the 
crojss, darkness overspread the whole earth. The 
sun and the moon, together in mourning, hid their 
light, and wrapped the world in doleful grief. 

The people stood looking on. They that passed 
by, shaking their heads, blasphemed Me. But they 
that stood around mocked Me : in like manner 
also, the chiefs of the priests, with the Scribes and 
elders, insulted Me by derisive gestures. The 
soldiers, too, jeered at Me, and, adding insults, 
they offered Me vinegar. All, in fine, sated Me 
with reproaches. 

And, amidst all this, what was I doing, Child ? 
What My Heart ? Father ! I exclaimed, unfolding 
My Heart, Father ! forgive them ; they know not 
what they do : they know not how enormous is the 
crime which they are committing. 

2. The Angels wept at this spectacle : all nature 
recoiled with horror, amazed at so great a wicked- 
ness of men, awe-struck at the marvelous goodness 
of My Heart, 

Thou alone, wicked sinner, remainest unmoved 
whilst the universe trembles : thou, whilst heaven 
and earth are terror-stricken, renewest the tortures 
of My Passion. 

Behold ! by sinning again, thou puttest a new 
cause for My death : thou perpetratest afresh that 



CHAPTER XIX. 



499 



for which I was nailed to the cross, that for which 
I also died. 

Nay more, since, hy My grace, and by thy own 
experience, thou knowest Me better, and art bound 
to requite Me with greater gratitude and a more 
tender love ; if thou dost again deliver Me up by 
sin, thou hast a greater sin than they that crucified 
Me : thou superaddest to the painfulness of My 
wounds : thou piercest My Heart, not when It is 
dead, but whilst It is living : by thy cruelty, as far 
as in thee lies, thou slayest Me, the Author of life, 
the Judge of thy everlasting destiny. 

3. most wretched of men ! does naught of all 
this move thy heart? More wicked than Judas 
the betrayer, thou sayest to thy vile passions : 
What will ye give to me, and I will deliver Him to 
you? 

And, placed between the passions which allure 
thee, and Myself who forbid thee, thou exclaimest : 
Not this One, but Barabbas ! 

And, when thy conscience cries out against thee : 
What, then, shall I do with Jesus? thou shoutest, 
by thy actions : Let Him be crucified ! let Him be 
crucified ! 

And, crime ! wishing to gratify thy desires, 
with Pilate thou givest Me up to be scoffed at, to be 
scourged, to be crucified ! 

Is this, man ! is this the return thou makest 
to Me, who created thee, who redeemed thee, who 
preserved thee? Have all My favors, so great and 



500 



THE THIRD BOOK. 



so numerous, come to this, that for all these things 
thou makest again a mockery of Me and nailest 
Me to the cross ! 

4. O if thou didst realize, how frightful an evil 
thou art committing, when thou sinnest in this 
manner, how couldst thou venture to do it? how 
canst thou have the hardihood ? 

Dost thou desire to know how great an evil 
grievous sin is ? consider, how, in order to atone 
for it, I, the only Son of God, did give, not the world, 
not heaven, not mankind, not the Angels, but My 
Own Self, the Lord of heaven and earth, of men 
and Angels, so as to pour out My Blood and lay 
down My very life, amid torments surpassing all 
understanding. 

Dost thou wish to know it still more clearly? 
Reflect, with a living faith, how sin renders all the 
torments of My Passion useless, and renews the 
same, in a most cruel manner, for thy greater con- 
demnation. 

Assuredly, the malice of sin is nowhere seen 
more evidently than in My Passion : neither could 
the enormity of sin have ever been known so clearly, 
if I had not died for it upon the cross. 

Weep, then, sinner, weej) for thyself and over thy 
future lot : for if in the green wood, if in Me, the 
sins of others do produce such an effect: what will 
thy own sins, so great and so numerous, do in the 
dry wood, in thee ? 

If the Angels, when they yielded to pride, were 



CHAPTER XIX. 



501 



not spared, but were dealt with according to jus- 
tice ; how much greater punishments, thinkest thou, 
does that man deserve, who tramples upon the Son 
of God, eve»i after He has crucified Him? 

Be not deceived, be not over confident because 
thou art not punished on the spot ; for now I en- 
dure : in time I give way to mercy, because for the 
exercise of justice I have an eternity. 

If thou so wilt, thou canst fill up the measure of 
the sins which are tolerated in thee. I will not 
take away thy free will. I desire from men no 
service extorted by necessity. 

Behold ! from the treasury of My Heart, I have 
poured out upon thee abundant grace : if thou wilt 
co-operate efficaciously, I will give thee an incom* 
parable reward : if, on the contrary, thou wilt not, 
look thou to it; thou shalt bear the consequences. 

But lo ! I am still thy Saviour, still thy Father, 
ready to receive thee in My arms : but afterwards 
thou shalt find Me a just Judge and Betributer. 

Have pity on thy soul, while it is yet time ; and 
do not render thyself forever unhappy, by misusing 
that Passion, whereby thou canst secure for thyself 
everlasting bliss. 

5. Come, O come to the cross : here the kindness 
of thy Saviour is made manifest : here the greatness 
of My fatherly affection shines forth : here My 
wounds do not only move to sorrow and penitence, 
but, likewise, offer both pardon and grace : here the 
voice of My Blood, with a loud cry, makes interces- 



502 



THE THIRD BOOK. 



sion for thee : here, finally, My Heart burns with 
desire for thy eternal salvation. 

Contemplate, gaze upon Me, the Son of God, 
nailed to the cross and dying for sin : and thou wilt 
detest the same with thy whole heart, and turn thee 
again to serve Me with fervor ; even as the crowd of 
those that were present on Calvary, and beheld this 
spectacle, Teturned striking their breasts. 

If thou art tempted to sin again, fly to the cross ; 
and, looking upon Me hanging thereon, say to thy- 
self : Behold ! the Son of God dies upon a cross to 
save me: shall I crucify Him anew, in order to 
damn myself? Should I do this, can there be in 
hell punishments enough to punish, according to 
its deserts, so great an iniquity ? 

In every contest with the devil, thou canst con- 
tend with him in no more advantageous place than 
beneath the cross : for here was he despoiled of his 
sway and strength : here thou shalt easily triumph 
over him. 

6. And thou, My Child, didst thou understand 
what I said? Didst thou full}' comprehend what 
horrible things the sinner does against Me, when he 
sins grievously ? Canst thou behold unmoved all 
this ? art thou not willing to use thy every effort to 
hinder such things ? 

See how important a matter it is to prevent sin, 
since, by so doing, thou hinderest Me from being 
again overwhelmed with reproaches, from being 



CHAPTER XIX. 



503 



again torn to pieces by scourges, from being again 
crucified, at least in desire, by the sinner. 

Wherefore, sbouldst thou prevent only one sin, 
thou wouldst do something greater and better, than 
if thou shouldst preserve thy country from destruc- 
tion. 

Canst thou love Me, and not care to turn away 
so great an evil from me ? If love do not inflame 
thee, let compassion at least move thee to take care, 
that I be not again subjected to insults so great and 
manifold. 

Thou makest profession of being a Disciple of 
My Heart : of thee, therefore, I ask, of thee I de- 
sire with My innermost Heart, that, by thyself and 
by others, whomsoever thou canst induce thereto, 
thou strive, as much as thou canst, always and 
everywhere, to prevent sin, and to make amends to 
Me by the fidelity of thy love for the cruel un- 
gratefulness of sinners. 

7. The voice of the Disciple. — But I also, Lord 
Jesus, am a sinful person. I am not worthy, I 
confess it to Thee, to be called a Disciple of Thy 
Heart. 

For I have heaped countless insults upon Thee : 
I, too, have sated Thy Heart with the most bitter 
sorrows : yea, did I not, — be merciful to me a 
sinner ! did I not oftentimes crucify Thee? 

Eternal thanks to Thee for that infinite goodness 
of Thy Heart, whereby Thou hast borne with me 
so patiently, and hast converted me so mercifully. 



504 



THE THIRD BOOK. 



O most benign and sweet Jesus ! I humbly im- 
plore Thee, grant me grace to make amends for the 
great wrongs I have done Thee, and to love Thee, 
during the remainder of my life, with the more fer- 
* or and tenderness the kinder and sweeter Thou 
cast been to be. 



CHAPTER XX. 

THAT JESUS, BY FORGIVING FROM HIS HEART THE 
THIEF, AND BY PROMISING PARADISE TO HIM, 
TEACHES US, HOW WE SHOULD ENDURE ANXIETY 
CONCERNING OUR ETERNAL SALVATION. 

1. The voice of Jesus. — Behold ! My Child, while 
all nature, wrapped in darkness, was mourning for 
Me, one of the thieves, hanging near Me, began 
to blaspheme Me : but the other, struck with a sav- 
ing fear, rebuked him : And dost thou not fear 
God, said he, seeing that thou art under the same 
condemnation ? And we, indeed, justly ; for we 
receive the reward due to our deeds : but He has 
done no evil. 

Moved by the example of My divine patience, 
heroic charity, — whereby I had prayed for My very 
torturers, — the unconquerable meekness of My 
Heart, My perfect resignation amidst the torments 
of My Passion, and assisted by a supernal light and 



CHAPTER XX. 



505 



grace, he conceived and expressed his faith and 
hope in Me, as well as his love for Me. 

Penitent in heart, he turned himself with affec- 
tion to Me, and : Lord, he exclaimed, Lord, re- 
member me, when Thou shalt come into Thy king- 
dom, 

Seeing that he co-operated with grace, — which 
outwardly worked upon him by means of the spec- 
tacle presented to his view, and inwardly flowed 
upon him from My Heart, — I hastened to console 
him, as he was well-nigh overwhelmed by the 
weight of his past offenses, and full of anxiety about 
the future salvation of his soul. 

Forthwith of a robber, I made him a Saint ; of an 
avowed evil-doer, a Disciple of My Heart ; Of 
the sinful Dismas, a companion and partaker of My 
kingdom. Such is the goodness of My Heart ! 

Verily, I said to him, verily, this day thou shalt 
be with Me in Paradise. He believed, and continu- 
ing to weep for his errors, and to love My good- 
ness, he persevered calmly upon his cross, await- 
ing the blissful hope, and union with Me in My 
kingdom. 

Lo, My Child, how thou shouldst deport thyself 
amid the troublesome anxieties concerning thy sal- 
vation, which torment thee sometimes. 

2. The voice of the Disciple. — Do not take it 
amiss, I beseech Thee, Lord, if I speak. Be- 
hold ! Thou didst not say to me : Thou shalt be 
with Mc in Paradise. Wert Thou to tell me this, I 



506 



THE THIRD BOOK. 



would, of a certainty, believe it ; neither would I 
be any longer uneasy about my everlasting salva- 
tion. But now, I do not know what may befall me 
in the end, and for this is my heart tormented. 

The voice of Jesus. — Were I to say the same, 
Child, thou couldst not understand it, except in so 
much as it is compatible with thy free-will ; for I 
am ever the same : I made man in the beginning, 
and left him in the hand of his own counsel : I gave 
him My commands, and said to him : If thou wilt 
keep My commands, they will keep thee. 

But, thy freedom remaining the while, and being 
rightly used, I say also to thee : Thou shalt be 
with Me in Paradise. For I will that thou, and all 
others be saved. 

It is true that some vessels are made unto honor, 
and others unto dishonor : but it is the wickedness 
of man, not the Providence of God, that makes the 
vessels unto dishonor. For, if any one, being a ves- 
sel unto dishonor, correct himself, he shall be a 
vessel sanctified unto honor. 

3. The voice of the Disciple. — Salvation, then, 
Lord, depends on man's free-will. 

The voice of Jesus. — Thou mistakest, My Child : 
for man, in order to work out his salvation, yea, 
even to begin to do so, needs grace from above, 
without which he can neither secure the same, nor 
even attempt it. 

But I give freely this preventing and assisting 



CHAPTER XX. 



507 



grace to all men ; by the use of which each one 
can save himself, by its neglect he loses himself. 

Therefore, man's salvation comes from Me, first; 
afterward, it depends on his own free co-operation : 
but his perdition arises in the first place from him- 
self, in the next, from the neglect of grace. 

The voice of the Disciple. — Yet, Lord, it is 
this possibility of abusing my free-will ; and the 
dread that, at some time or other, I will abuse it, 
which especially disquiets my heart. 

The voice of Jesus. — But, My Child, herein lies 
the virtue, the glory of man, that he has the power 
to transgress, and yet does not transgress ; to do 
evil, and does not do it. This is, upon earth, a ser- 
vice worthy of Me, honorable to Me : most noble 
and meritorious for thee. 

Yea, thy very anxiety, lest thou mayst, at some 
future time, abuse thy free-will, provided it be kept 
within proper bounds, will procure thee many ad- 
vantages. 

For nothing is better adapted to keep thee in 
humility, without which all other virtues are nigh 
to a fall and to destruction, than to know, yea, in 
some manner, to feel, that, even if by holiness thou 
art raised to the third heaven, thou mayst still be- 
come a reprobate. 

Thence arises, also, a more anxious love for Me, 
whereby thou exertest thyself to avoid more care- 
fully all dangers, and to cling more firmly to Me. 

Thou wilt also learn to withdraw thyself more per- 



508 



THE THIRD BOOK. 



fectly from the things of this life, when thou know- 
est, that no complete security can be found therein. 

Lastly, thou wilt sigh more fervently for that 
immortal life, where thou shalt be safe and secure, 
not only from danger, but from the fear of clanger. 

4. It is profitable, My Child, to be solicitous, 
above everything else, concerning thy everlasting 
salvation: but thou shouldst be on thy guard lest 
thou fall into faintheartedness. 

There are they who, — seeing that it is possible 
for them to be lost, and trembling with fear, lest 
they may lose in the future the merits which they 
have acquired by much labor, and fall into an 
eternity of woe, — become so downhearted that 
they have neither strength nor courage to serve 
Me with cheerfulness, but they drag on a life un- 
worthy alike of Me and of themselves. 

Whence it happens, that of a possibility they 
make a reality, by turning a possible into a real 
danger. 

Be thou wiser, My Child : beware lest thou con- 
vert that which is for thy good into thy downfall : 
lest by too great a fear of ruin thou expose thyself 
to ruin. 

Keep faithfully thy good will of doing what 
morally thou art able ; and patiently endure every 
anxiety, if thou dost experience any that is trouble- 
some, as a precious and wholesome share which thou 
hast inwardly in My sorrows. 

In suffering an affliction of this sort, endeavor 



CHAPTER XX. 



509 



on the one hand, never to yield to it, but to remain 
resigned to the divine Will ; and, on the other, x>e 
careful not to leave off anything of thy usual works 
or practices, which are conducive to thy salvation 
and perfection. 

5. Whatever inward sufferings thou mayst feel, 
be not disturbed thereby, fully persuaded, that to 
a person of good will, — who does what he can, — 
troubles cannot arise except from the enemy of sal- 
vation ; who — unable to lead such a one into sin or 
destruction — endeavors to lead him by annoyances, 
anxieties, specious subtleties, under pretense of 
greater security, to that whereto he cannot bring 
him by temptation. 

Guard diligently against these snares, My Child ; 
nor suffer thyself, by any reasoning whatsoever, to 
be pushed out of the centre of thy peace. 

So apply thyself to work out thy salvation, as if 
its success depended on thy labors ; and so have 
recourse to Me by prayer, as if I alone could make 
thee not only succeed, but also make thee perform 
the works themselves ; and, lastly, so do thou con- 
fide in Me, as to believe that I will hear thy prayer, 
and crown thy labors with a happy result. 

6. But behold! My Child, every man is here 
disquieted in vain : for I desire that none should 
perish. Now what is it that can cause the perdi- 
tion of a person except sin ? Keep thyself, there- 
fore, free from sin, and thou shalt hot perish for- 
ever. 



510 



THE THIRD BOOK. 



Why, then, art thou tormented by anxiety about 
thy predestination ? Behold ! if thou wilt be pre- 
destined, shun evil and do good perseveringly, and 
thou shalt be predestined. 

Blessed is he, who, setting aside all vain reason- 
ings, by deeds, not by speculations, strives to make 
his election sure ! 

7. The voice of the Disciple. — most sweet and 
loving Jesus ! Thou art truly the Grod of consola- 
tion. Thanks to Thee" for this great blessing, 
whereby Thou raisest up and refreshest my down- 
east heart. 

Behold ! Thou art hanging on the cross, over- 
whelmed by sorrows, and Thou forge'ttest Thyself 
in order to be mindful of men ; Thou securest my 
salvation not only by suffering but also by con- 
soling. Why, then, should T not calmly intrust to 
Thee my everlasting destiny ? 

By Thy grace, which I will never cease to im- 
plore, I will do all that I can ; all other solicitude 
I throw upon Thy most tender Heart, which did 
not suffer even the thief to perish in death. 

B,emember me, Lord, in Thy kingdom ; be mind- 
ful of me in my banishment: be especially mindful 
of me, whensoever thou seest me in danger of losing 
my soul; remember me in life and in death, that 
hereafter I may be with Thee in Paradise. 



CHAPTER XXI. 511 



CHAPTER XXI. 

HOW GREAT A TENDERNESS OF HEART JESUS MANI- 
FESTED TOWARD US, WHEN HE GAVE US HIS 
OWN MOTHER AS OUR MOTHER. 

1. The voice of Jesus. — Behold ! My Child, there 
stood beneath the cross the Virgin Mary, My 
Mother, whom neither affliction of Heart, nor the 
insults of the crowd, nor the cruelty of the tor- 
turers, nor the danger of death, were able to part 
from Me. 

For she was prepared in her Heart, either to die 
in My presence or, to be present while I was dying. 

There also stood the Disciple, who, by the inno- 
cence of his life, was most endeared to Me ; and 
who, at the last Supper, reposing upon My Breast, 
inebriated himself with the love of My Heart. 

When I saw My Virgin Mother and the Virgin 
Disciple, whom My Heart loved, looking upon My 
Mother, I said : Woman, behold thy son. Then to 
the Disciple, as to the one representing them all: 
Behold thy Mother. And from that hour the 
Disciple took her as a Mother. 

2. Behold then, My Child, at what time men 
were incessantly heaping new and more cruel tor- 
ments upon Me; where the malice of the human 
heart overflowed, there more than overflowed the 
love of My Heart. 



512 



THE THIRD BOOK. 



When about to expire and to go away into My 
kingdom, I did not wish to leave my Disciples 
orphans, but ; in My love, I resolved to give them 
a Mother, the best of all mothers, My own Mother 
herself. 

Nay more, on account of the eminent dignity of 
My Mother, and My perfect love for her, it was be- 
coming that I should manifest every solicitude and 
every care for her ; that I should provide for her 
the honor and love which are her due. 

For this it was befitting, that, always and every- 
where, land she, being known together, should also 
be loved together. 

And, incleed, even from the beginning of the 
world, when God promised Me as a Saviour to man 
groaning beneath the tyranny of the infernal ser- 
pent, He promised also My Mother. 

This divine promise, so full of all consolation, 
spread among the whole posterity of the first man, 
and ever continued to be cherished with a religious 
reverence. For, although it was obscured among 
the nations, it was preserved always unchanged 
among the people of God : and from time to time 
it was renewed through the Prophets, and unfolded 
the more clearly, the more nearly the fullness 
of time was at hand, when God would send His 
own Son, to be born of the Virgin. 

Wherefore, My Child, those whom from eternity, 
in the counsels of His mercy, God had joined 
together, whom He had promised together ; them 



CHAPTER XXI. 



513 



also were men expecting, for them together they 
were longing. For, as often as they did exclaim 
with a sigh to My Father in heaven : Distill dew, 
ye heavens, from above; and let the clouds rain 
down the Just! so often they sighed for My future 
Mother: Let the earth be opened, and bud forth 
the Saviour! 

3. When, at length, 1 came into the world as 
the Saviour, behold! I was seen with My Virgin 
Mother. From the time I possessed a created 
Heart, this Heart was inseparably united to the 
Heart of My Mother. 

I ever honored and loved the Virgin, in a man- 
ner worthy of her — as My Mother ; and she, in 
return, honored and loved Me, not only as her Son, 
but also worshiped and cherished Me as her God. 

There is no created being upon earth, nor in 
heaven, that has honored and loved Me, that has 
worshiped and cherished Me as much as My Virgin 
Mother. She by herself, she alone, by her worship 
and love, has incomparably surpassed and excelled 
all the Saints and Angels together. 

Nor is there anywhere a heart, which is so much 
united, so acceptable to My Heart, as is the Heart 
of My Virgin Mother. 

And should not I honor, should not I love such 
a Mother? and should not I wish to see her hon- 
ored and loved always and everywhere? Is it 
thus My Heart is known ? 

4. Verity, verily, I say, wheresoever the Gospel 



514 



THE THIRD BOOK. 



shall be preached in the whole world, it will be 
said : That My Mother has done these things for 
Me, and that I have been subject to her. Nay, 
even to the end of time, wheresoever I will be wor- 
shiped and loved as a Saviour, there shall Mary be 
honored and loved as a Mother. 

Moreover, in whatsoever place My Religion shall 
exist;, it will ennoble the mind of man, and elevate 
the condition of woman. 

For whence, thinkest thou, has there arisen in 
the mind of every one of the faithful so great an 
esteem for innocence, and so humane a feeling for 
woman, except from My most pure and august 
Virgin Mother ? 

Uncivilized barbarism made woman a slave of 
misery ; civilized infidelity made her an idol of the 
passions ; error in religion, an instrument of deceit ; 
the true Religion alone made her truly free and 
truly estimable ; preserves her free and worthy of 
honor, by ever proposing to her as a model the 
Virgin Mother of Grod. 

5. Behold, then, My Child, behold thy Mother, 
who adopted thee beneath the cross, whilst she was 
suffering with Me. This, thy Mother, thou shalt 
honor all the days of thy life, remembering what, 
together with Me, she suffered for thee. 

Acknowledge the greatness of the gift which, 
when dying, My Heart bequeathed to thee, by giv- 
ing thee such a Mother. What is there better that 
It could have given to thee ? Behold ! in all the 



CHAPTER XXI. 



515 



world, there is naught dearer to My Heart, nothing 
sweeter for thee, than this best of mothers. 

For her maternal Heart overflows with an extra- 
ordinary compassion, love, and solicitude ; nor can 
she forget to cherish the children whom, amidst 
such sorrows, she received from Me, when I was 
expiring. 

Her Heart, modeled after Mine, is opened to all 
under the sweetest of appellations, the Heart of a 
Mother ; so that all they that have recourse to it, 
are easily admitted, kindly received, and intro- 
duced by her to My Heart. 

Through the Virgin Mary I came to men ; 
through her also must men come to Me. 

Whatsoever graces, therefore, thou desirest to 
obtaiu from Me, intrust it to Mary ; that My 
Mother, and thy Mother, may appeal to My Heart 
in thy favor, and prove that she is a Mother. 

She will certainly be heard for the veneration 
due to her; for it is not becoming that I turn away 
My face from My Mother, or refuse her anything. 
A Mother's rights, which she possessed and exer- 
cised upon earth, she has not lost in heaven ; 
where she reigns with Me, the Queen of Angels 
and of all the Saints. 

If any one come to Me through My Virgin 
Mother, he shall not be cast off, but he shall be 
admitted even into My Heart; and he shall learn, 
by experience, how great is the hight and the 



516 



THE THIRD BOOK 



depth and the breadth of the power, which My 
Mother possesses over My Heart. 

6. As I, by nature, have God as My Father, and 
Mary as My Mother; so also, Child, if, by adoption, 
thou desirest to have God as thy Father, thou must 
have Mary as thy Mother. 

And, if thou art desirous to find Mary thy 
Mother, show thyself a child ; do not sadden her 
Heart, by grieving My Heart through sin. For 
accursed is he that angers his mother. 

But a twofold curse, a twofold woe to them, that 
venture to destroy or to diminish the honor and 
love due to My Mother ! for as the praises, so are 
also the sneers, aimed at My Mother, flung back at 
Me, her Son. 

Therefore, also, shall her enemies be infamous : 
yea, whosoever shall sin against her, shall hurt his 
own soul. But they that make her known, by 
duly honoring and loving her, shall have life ever- 
lasting. 

Do not think that Mary is merely equal to the 
Saints and Angels, or even that she is the first 
among them ; for she forms an order above all the 
rest of creatures ; so that, far surpassing all the 
Saints and the heavenly Spirits, she beholds none 
above her, except Myself with the Father and the 
Holy Ghost, 

Therefore, she must be honored with a special 
worship, and an affection all her own. Love and 
honor her, Child, as much as thou art able : thou 



CHAPTER XXI. 



517 



canst not offend by excess, so long as thou dost not 
honor and love her as a Divinity. 

Above all, learn of Mary to follow My Heart 
perfectly. For she kept all My words, and all My 
examples, meditating on them in her Heart : and 
thus she attained to the teaching of My Heart, 
whose life, and virtues, and sentiments she showed 
forth and expressed to perfection in herself. 

7. Blessed shalt thou be, My Child, if thou dost 
so venerate My Virgin Mother. Through her, 
thou shalt find the way to holiness, — to the interior 
life, — easy and pleasant : through her, thou shalt 
obtain mercy, and grace, and comfort, and every- 
thing else that is necessary or useful to thee : 
through her, finally, thou shalt be and continue 
with Me. 

To her, therefore, do thou have recourse under 
all circumstances, at all times. What canst thou 
fear? thou art a child, she is a Mother. Why 
shouldst thou hesitate ? behold ! no one goes to her 
in vain : all receive through her: the world salva- 
tion, the captive redemption, the sinner hope, the 
just glory, the Angels joy. 

8. The voice of the Disciple. — Jesus, my Sa- 
viour-Grod ! Thou givest me Thy own Mother as a 
Mother ! Who has ever heard anything like this? 
Thou alone, Lord, couldst draw such a gift from 
the treasury of Thy Heart, and bestow the same 
upon us signers. 

Thanks to Thee, most loving Jesus! eternal 



518 



THE THIRD BOOK. 



thanks to Thee for so great a gift, so kindly be- 
stowed upon me most unworthy. 

Behold ! Thy Mother is my Mother ! Bear with 
me, most sweet Jesus, if I repeat: Behold, Thy 
Mother is my Mother ! This is indeed a shout of 
joy in the heart, this is honey in the mouth, this 
is sweetest melody in the ear. 

blessed me, who am made the son of the Queen 
of heaven and earth, of the Mother of my God, my 
Saviour, my Judge ! 

Through such a Mother, my Jesus, I will fly 
to Thee : through her motherly love, I will draw 
nigh to Thy Heart ; through her Immaculate 
Heart, I will enter into Thy Heart, even unto an 
intimate union with Thee. 

And when I shall have to go to judgment, be- 
hold ! sweetest of all consolations ! I shall have 
an advocate with the Judge, the Mother of the 
Judge and mine, a Mother that makes intercession 
with her Son for a son, a Mother to whom the 
Judge has given all power over His Heart; 

Thee, therefore, so great a Mother, sweet Vir- 
gin Mary, I will endeavor and rejoice to honor ever 
more and more ; I will find it my delight, by every 
means, to extend thy worship, so long as life en- 
dures. 

So long as this heart of mine shall be capable 
of loving, it will love thee, Mother of Jesus, and 
my Mother ! yea, it will burn to influence all hearts 
with the same fire of love, that we may all begin 



CHAPTER XXII. 



519 



upon earth to love thee, for the sake of Jesus, and 
Jesus for His own dear sake; that thus we may 
deserve to be made blissful in heaven, and continue 
to love and to cherish throughout joyous and end- 
less ages. 



CHAPTER XXII. 

THAT JESUS, FORSAKEN UPON THE CROSS, TEACHES 
US HOW TO ACT, WHEN WE ARE LEFT EXPOSED 
TO TEMPTATIONS. 

1. The voice of Jesus. — My Child, when on the 
cross I bore the iniquities of men, for whom I had 
given Myself, through love, as a hostage and secu- 
rity ; My Father so loved men, that He delivered 
Me up for them. 

Wherefore, the devil, — who, after the temptation, 
in the desert, left Me for a time, having returned 
during My Passion, — now assailed Me more vio- 
lently, and pressed Me more stubbornly. 

Beside his own malice, he made use of the wick- 
edness of men, whom he stirred up both to afflict 
Me with every torture and a most disgraceful death, 
and to perpetrate before Me the most horrid crimes. 

The demon, with his associates, was exulting, as 
if enjoying a triumph; and, pressing forward his 



520 



THE THIRD BOOK. 



most wicked assaults, he cried : God has forsaken 
Him, pursue and take Him. 

And I, without any sensible comfort whatsoever, 
crushed, for the sake of men, in My weakness, was 
abandoned to enemies, who were outwardly raging 
against My Body, and inwardly tearing My Heart. 

In My loneliness, in the midst of torments so 
frightful ; behold ! to the Father, whom I loved 
infinitely, and by whom I was infinitely loved, I 
raise My eyes, filled with tears, and well-nigh ex- 
tinct, as well as My Heart, now reduced to Its ut- 
most agony : My God ! My God ! why hast Thou 
forsaken Me ? 

Lo, Child, the utterance of the unfathomable af- 
fliction of My Heart, sunk into an abyss of sorrows, 
and overwhelmed, as it were, by a deluge of woes. 

2. However, I resigned Myself lovingly to the 
good pleasure of My heavenly Father : and I 
offered Myself wholly as a sacrifice to Him, who 
was to console Me at last, according to the great- 
ness of My sorrows. 

But, since suffering is the measure of love, I en- 
dured and made known this excess of the most pain- 
ful anguish ; that men might thence learn to how 
great an extent I have loved them. 

And, as I remembered others, so was I especially 
mindful of thee, My Child : yea, for thee did I en- 
counter, with My Heart submissive and contented, 
the rage of My enemies, and that deep-felt dere- 
liction. 



CHAPTER XXII. 



521 



For I knew that, according to My divine Provi- 
dence, thou couldst not be exempt from the assaults 
of the demon ; neither was I ignorant of the great- 
ness of the affliction which thou shouldst have to 
undergo in this severe struggle with a most wicked 
foe : and, therefore, I placed before thee My ex- 
ample, that thence thou mightst derive abundant 
instruction and comfort. 

I know thy frequent and deep groanings, My 
Child, when thou findest thyself in the midst of 
relentless foes, whilst thou desirest to live for Me in 
perfect peace, free from every hindrance. 

But consider, that I, the only begotten Son of 
God, the Saint of Saints, was, by a spontaneous 
love, exposed to the rage of My enemies and there 
left forsaken : and thou wilt not wonder, nor take 
it hard, if thou, in many ways a sinful person, art 
suffered, — even after thou hast been for a long time 
in My service, — to be exposed, for thy own advan- 
tage, to the assaults of the tempter, and to be de- 
prived, during them, of sensible consolation. 

For, in this is the divine kindness toward thee 
made apparent, that it neither takes away the war, 
without which the enemy is not overcome, and 
peace secured ; nor removes the occasion of the 
contest, without which there is no triumph, and no 
crown obtained. 

It is an effect of the sincere love of My Heart, 
if It leaves to thee wherewithal thou mayst become 
conscious of thy own frailty, when exposed ; that 
44 



522 



THE THIRD BOOK. 



thus thou mayst be kept in humility, and, impelled 
by necessity, mayst continually tend and draw near 
to Me. 

How many there are who, through temptations, 
persevered and were saved, and who, had they been 
without these trials, — growing by degrees luke- 
warm and proud, — would in the end have become 

reprobates ! 

Dost thou know even one, among all those that 
have sanctified themselves, who was free from 
temptations? Have not the greatest Saints been 
wont to feel the greatest temptations? 

This is the way whereby a more than ordinary 
purity of heart is obtained : whereby more perfect 
virtue is acquired : whereby the soul is better pre- 
pared for the divine union. 

3. Many err in this, that they think temptation 
a sin. What can there be more dangerous than 
this error? Hence arise an erroneous conscience, 
anxiety, faintheartedness, sloth, lack of strength 
and courage to resist generously, and to triumph. 

Believe Me, Child, even should a temptation of 
any kind whatsoever last a whole lifetime, it could 
not make thee guilty of any sin, if only it be dis- 
pleasing to thee. 

Cast aside, therefore, so baneful an error ; throw 
off, in like manner, an overgreat dread of being 
tempted. This dread, born of error, fostered by 
self-love, becomes an occasion of being the more 
tempted, and the more dangerously too; since 



CHAPTER XXII. 523 

thou art tempted, not so much by a divine permis- 
sion, as through thy own fault. 

This is one of men's misfortunes, that they ever 
tend to one or another extreme. For, some run 
great risk, because they fear temptations too much ; 
others, because they do not sufficiently guard against 
them. Thou. My Child, follow thou the middle 
course, if thou wilt be safe. 

4. The voice of the Disciple. — Yet, Lord, should 
not siDS be supremely feared and shunned ? Why 
should I not, then, extremely fear, and shun the 
dangers and occasions of sin? 

The voice of Jesus. — Certainly. My Child, sins 
should be extremely feared and shunned.. But 
guard against deception : avoid confusion : distin- 
guish correctly. Temptation is one thing, sin is 
quite another : the danger of temptation is one 
thing, the danger of sin another : finally, the occa- 
sion, on the part of the devil tempting to sin, is 
one thing ; the occasion, on the part of man plac- 
ing himself proximately near to sin, is altogether 
different. 

Now, the occasion on the part of man, as it 
is a proximate danger of sin, and, consequently, a 
sin, thou shouldst carefully shun ; the occasion on 
the part of the devil, as it is simply a danger of 
temptation, and, therefore, not sinful, thou art not 
obliged to avoid. 

Do not think it strange if the devil tempts thee, 



524 THE THIRD BOOK. 

since his sole occupation is to roam about, and to 
tempt. In his insolence he attacks all, uses differ- 
ent ways to tempt ; when driven off, he is not 
ashamed to return, when defeated he does not leave 
off to come again to the assault. , 

Wherefore, it thou art tempted, do not suffer thy- 
self to be troubled. It is the malice of the devil, 
not thine own wickedness. 

Thou wouldst act foolishly, and to no purpose, 
shouldst thou lose thy peace of heart, on account 
of temptations. For, by so doing, thou wouldst 
place thy peace in the power of the demon, who, 
doubtless, would never allow thee to enjoy the 
same. 

My Child, I know thy weakness ; I know the 
malice of the devil : but I know also the power of 
My grace : I know what of thyself thou art able tc 
effect against the demon, and what thou canst do 
by grace. And I, — to whom the devil is so much 
subject that, against My Will, he cannot attack 
even the vilest animals ; — I, to whom thy salvation 
has cost so much, will not allow that thou be 
tempted beyond what thou art able to endure, but I 
will, on the contrary, prepare, together with the 
temptation, a favorable issue. 

5. The voice of the Disciple. — Thanks to Thee, 
good Master, sweet Jesus, for that Thou hast thus 
showed me. how I should act in regard to tempta- 
tions, before they come or rush upon me : teach 



CHAPTER XXII. 



525 



me also, I beseech Thee, how I should deport my- 
self; when they are now at hand and assail me. 

The voice of Jesus. — Observe, Child, that the 
devil may assault thee, or approach thy heart in 
three ways : by the way of the outward senses ; by 
the inward way of the understanding ; lastly, by a 
sort of middle way, that of the imagination. 

By whichsoever of these ways thou mayst be 
tempted, so soon as thou perceivest the temptation, 
take heed that thou be not agitated or troubled : 
but, by directing thy attention to Me, who am pres- 
ent, strive to possess thy mind in peace. 

If the temptation comes through the senses, suf- 
fer them not to be exposed, without sufficient rea- 
son, in the direction of the dangerous object : but 
quietly, and withal manfully, turn them away, so 
that, if possible, thou do no longer perceive the evil 
which is presented. 

If it assails thee through the understanding, do 
not act so as to deal anywise, even mentally, with 
the foe ; but, how specious soever his reasonings, 
how much soever as evident truths his suggestions 
may appear ; so soon as thou seest them to be con- 
trary to some virtue, submit thyself to Me, without 
any reasoning, and behold ! thou shalt be victorious. 

If the temptation is pressed upon thee, through 
the imagination, by means of objects formerly per- 
ceived by the senses, or even now made up by the 
devil, take diligent care that thou allow not the 
imagination to stand still, as if looking at the ima- 



526 



THE THIRD BOOK. 



ginings : but do thou forthwith, and effectually, 
turn away the imagination : and represent to it, if 
convenient, objects known by faith, such as death or 
judgment, hell or purgatory, heaven, or rather the 
Son of God hanging on the cross, and looking at thee, 
and offering to thee His Heart, as a place of refuge. 

But give heed to this, My Child, mark this well, 
that, in every temptation whatsoever, it is enough, 
simply to turn thy mind away from the temptation 
to some other object. Since this is to resist it, even 
in a positive manner. 

These things having been guarded against, en- 
deavor as much as thou art able, for thy greater 
progress, in every tempation, to unite thyself gently 
and firmly with Me, by acts of love, be they ever 
so short. 

I do particularly recommend, My Child, while 
thou art wont to live in the state of grace, that, in 
temptation, thou make use of acts which are not 
directly opposed to the evil suggested, but which 
unite thee by love with Me. For thus thou wilt 
better preserve peace of heart, frustrate more se- 
curely the wicked design of the demon, render vir- 
tue more solid, and unite thyself more strongly and 
more perfectly with Me. 

However, thou must always rely more upon di- 
vine grace than upon thy own strength. Where- 
fore, thou shouldst pray frequently, in time of peace 
as well as of war, that, whilst thou art contending, 







( UAPi'ER XXII. 



527 



grace may support thee, encourage thee, give thee 
victory. 

If, in this manner, thou }deldest the glory of the 
victory to Me, who am the first conqueror, and who 
will not give My glory to another ; then, Child, 
will I protect thee with My shield, and fight for 
thee, like a strong and invincible warrior : and a 
thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand 
before thee: nor shall any foe prevail against thee. 

6. The voice of the Disciple. — most loving- 
Jesus! how sweet, how pleasing the things which 
out of Thy Heart Thou pourest down upon me ! 
Let heaven and earth, and all things therein 
with me, return Thee a thousand thanks ! 

However, I beseech Thee, teach me still one 
thing, and it is enough. Behold ! it happens, that, 
when I come out of the struggle, I am tormented 
by a great fear, that my soul has perhaps fallen a 
prey to the enemy. 

Lord ! who hast the words of everlasting life, 
speak to me the word, whereby my soul may be 
comforted. This will be a new favor of Thy Heart, 
which will in return bind me to Thee by a new and 
sweet debt of gratitude and love. 

The voice of Jesus. — Behold ! My Child, if the 
temptation, while it was upon thee, displeased thee, 
thou hast a sure sign that thou didst not consent 
thereto. But in this also thou must distinguish 
the inferior part of thy heart from the superior, to 
which it belongs to sin or not to sin. 



528 



THE THIRD BOOK. 



The inferior part does not always agree with the 
superior, but frequently in spite of the superior, it 
takes, in some manner, pleasure in the temptation : 
yea, it does so much, that it causes the superior, 
although not willing, to feel some pleasure. But 
feeling does not hurt, where there is no consent. 

If thou doubtest whether thou didst merely feel 
the temptation, or whether thou didst also give 
consent thereto, observe the difference between feel- 
ing and consenting. Thou mayst indeed feel the 
temptation, although thou dost not love it, with thy 
free will adverting to its being wrong : but thou 
canst not consent to the temptation, unless, per- 
ceiving that it is a sin or evil, thou love it by thy 
free will. 

But, when thou also doubtest, whether or not, 
thou didst love the temptation in this manner, fol- 
low the rule of the Saints : A person of a delicate 
or fair conscience, may hold as morally certain, that 
he did not consent, so long as he is not sure that 
he did consent. 

Assuredly, My Child, whosoever is wont to cling 
to Me, and with a sincere heart dreads to be sepa- 
rated from Me, if at any time he is tempted to sin ; 
in order, knowingly and willingly, to consent 
thereto, must do great violence to himself, both to 
resist.the saving sting of conscience — which he is 
in the habit of heeding and following — as well as to 
turn the will from an object constantly loved, to an 
obpet constantly held in abhorrence. All which, 



CHAlUEll XXII. 



529 



surely, no one can do, without clearly distinguishing 
its malice and without embracing it, if he do so at 
all, with his knowledge and will. 

On the contrary, he that is accustomed to sin 
through an evil or loose conscience, when, after hav- 
ing been tempted, he doubts whether he gave con- 
sent thereto, ought to presume that he did consent. 
For, since, on principle or by custom, he has con- 
tracted a habit suited to sin ; when he is tempted 
to evil, in order to be able to resist, he must like- 
wise offer great violence to himself, not only to 
obey actually the warning voice of his conscience, 
which, in a matter of this kind, he was not wont to 
heed, but also, with a strong will, to repel the 
temptation. Now, all this he cannot do without 
manifestly perceiving his own pious efforts and his 
unusual victory. 

7. Hence, thou seest, Child, how happy they are 
who serve Me faithfully, since, in temptations, with 
which man's life is replete, they may so agreeably 
console themselves; whereas, they that are negli- 
gent, for their shame and correction, are tormented 
by inward pains and anxieties. 

And this is only one of the thousand blessings, 
which I heap upon the Disciples of My Heart. 
Kejoice, thou, My Child, rejoice in so great a good ; 
and use and enjoy it for the glory of My Heart ? 
and the sanctification of thy soul. 

This, however, thou must guard against after 
temptation, that thou be not desirous of so examin- 
45 



530 



THE THIRD BOOK. 



ing into the matter as to expose thyself to danger, 
by reviewing in thy mind the temptation or its 
several circumstances. 

As much as circumstances permit, calmly hum- 
ble thyself, and beg pardon if, per chance, thou 
hast in any wise rendered thyself guilty of some 
pride,' some inordinate fear, some diffidence, some 
curiosity, some carelessness. After this, with a 
renewed love for Me, proceed boldly and cheer- 
fully. 

8. Lastly, remember, My Child, that the way 
of temptations is open to many errors, insomuch 
that by himself no one can safely pass through it. 
Wherefore, whosoever thou art, religious or secular, 
learned or unlearned, thou needest an experienced 
guide ; and, so long as thou dost obediently follow 
him, I will not permit that obedience lead thee to 
destruction. I Myself will have a care of thee. 

Come, then, Child, cheer up thy courage : be 
stout-hearted. Let the winds blow ; let the storms 
rage ; how canst thou be fearful ? behold ! I am 
with thee. 

These things have T spoken to thee, My Child, 
that, in the midst of temptations, thou mayst find 
relief and comfort; but not, that thou mayst have 
no temptations, nor feel their irksomeness. Endure 
them in the right spirit : and, in their own time, 
they will produce manifold fruit. 

Do not grow faint in courage, but be resigned to 
the divine Will. Up, then, persevere manfully, 



CHAPTER XXIII. 



531 



knowing that he is blessed that endures temptation ; 
because, when he has been proved, he shall receive 
the crown of life. 

9. The voice of the Disciple. — how good art 
Thou, my Jesus ! how good art Thou ! Behold ! 
Thou delight of the Saints and Angels, Thou 
art forsaken upon the cross, and deprived of every 
consolation ; yet, meanwhile, Thou dost not aban- 
don me, nor suffer me, every way unworthy as I 
am, to be without solace ; for, with a marvelous 
sweetness, Thyself relievest and rejoicest me. 

Willingly do I intrust myself to Thy care ; wholly 
do I resign myself to Thy Will ; do Thou carry out 
the designs of Thy Heart in my regard : cleanse 
and sanctify nie in a way and manner pleasing to 
Thee. Only keep me from every sin. 

In every temptation, in every danger, assist me 
efficaciously : protect me, help me ; so keep me 
united with Thee, that I may never be separated 
from Thee. 



CHAPTER XXIII. 

THAT JESUS, IN HIS ABANDONMENT, THIRSTING AND 
NOT RELIEVED, SHOWS US HOW WE SHOULD DE- 
PORT OURSELVES IN SPIRITUAL DESOLATION. 

1. The voice of Jesus. — all ye that pass by the 
way attend, and see if there be any sorrow like My 
sorrow ! 



532 



THE THIRD BOOK. 



Lo ! all My persecutors troubled Me taken in the 
midst of straits ; and there, was none to comfort 
Me among all them that were dear to Me. 

Behold, My Child, My head pierced with thorns, 
My face covered with blood and tears, all My 
limbs torn, My whole Body lacerated, from the 
sole of My feet to the crown of My head all one 
wound : My Heart weighed down with unutter- 
able sorrows, undone by the hard-heartedness of 
men, forsaken by My beloved and most loving 
Father Himself. 

Amidst all these sufferings, I was racked by a 
new torture, a most violent thirst, so that I was 
forced to exclaim : I thirst ! 

This thirst was manifold, My Child : a burning 
thirst even unto death, of refreshing Myself, every 
way exhausted as I was ; a more burning thirst for 
the salvation, the love and everlasting gratitude of 
men ; lastly, a most ardent thirst for the fulfillment 
of the good pleasure of My heavenly Father. 

But My enemies hearing it, so far from affording 
Me relief, on the contrary, in My thirst gave Me 
vinegar to drink. 

For the restoration of the divine glory, and for 
the salvation of men, My Father willed that I 
should die in the deepest affliction, without any 
relief. 

My Passion ever increased : but apace grew the 
love of My heart, whereby, uniting Myself to the 



I 



CHAPTER XXIII. 533 

divine good pleasure : Yea, Father, I said in My 
Heart, yea, since thus it is pleasing before Thee. 

And thus I wholly resigned Myself to continue, 
and at last to expire in the uttermost desolateness. 

Meditate on these things, My Child : do thou also 
remember them, when thou art thyself experiencing 
spiritual desolation. 

2. So long as exercises of piety are inwardly 
relished and please the spiritual taste, it is both 
easy and pleasant to be engaged therein ; but it is 
hard and disagreeable, to perform them faithfully 
and exactly, when they produce only wearisome- 
ness and disgust. 

But because, during that inward consolation, the 
human heart is wont to take delight in a sensible 
sweetness, and does not purely love Me for Myself ; 
I do frequently, when he is now able to bear it, de- 
prive a person of all sensible relish. 

This is a secret invention of My Heart, that the 
soul may learn, even in spite of herself, to seek and 
to love, above all things sensible, not My consola- 
tions, but Myself. 

If thou remainest faithful in spiritual desolation, 
thou provest evidently that thou servest Me by 
pure love, not in consideration of thy present ad- 
vantages. 

Thou shouldst, therefore, not be uneasy amid 
desolation, My Child, but shouldst exert thyself to 
act generously and to endure manfully. 

3. Continue steadfastly in thy undertaking ; and, 



534 



THE THIRD BOOK. 



in order to overcome weariness or disgust, which 
comes upon thee in spiritual desolation, pray more 
than usually ; carefully examine thy actions, both 
interior and exterior ; watch more attentively over 
thy heart; lastly, mortify thyself in small things 
more frequently and more perfectly. 

By this constant and solid fervor, thou wilt effi- 
caciously resist languor. Meanwhile, resign thy- 
self ever more and more ; and look upon it as thy 
greatest consolation, to embrace submissively and 
lovingly the divine Will. 

I do not always desire to console thee in a sensi- 
ble manner, even when thou hast done whatsoever 
thou wast able to obtain the same, lest it prove hurt- 
ful to thee, or lest thou ascribe to thyself what 
belongs to Me. 

But this I do desire, that thou keep thyself in 
all humility, and love Me in the most disinterested 
manner. Therefore, I suffer, that thou shouldst 
intensely feel that it is not in thy power to acquire 
or to retain consolation, but that it is My gift. 

Acknowledge, then, that thou art altogether un- 
able to procure true consolation, yea, that thou art 
unworthy of receiving even the least; and own, 
that it is the highest favor, far surpassing every 
sensible consolation, when thou art reckoned by 
Me among My children, and cherished by the love 
of My Heart. 

4. The voice of the Disciple. — Yea, Lord God, it 
is a very great grace, an incomparable favor, to be 



CHAPTER XXIII. 



535 



Thy Child, to be dear to Thy Heart; but my deso- 
lateness does not only cause me wearisomeness, 
betimes it even does not allow me to perceive that 
favor. 

So long as I possess the moral conviction, that, 
by sanctifying grace, I am a Child dear to Thy 
Ileart; to lack all consolation, both human and 
divine, — although it is hard and irksome to na- 
ture, — appears bearable ; neither does it take away 
ihe peace of the heart. 

But, Lord Jesus, sometimes desolation takes 
hold of me, and affects all the powers of my soul 
to such a degree, that it appears to me, that I am 
separated from Thee, and that I cannot persuade 
myself that I still possess a place in Thy Heart. 

O my Saviour ! who knowest all things, and 
needest not that any one tell Thee, Thou know- 
est the greatness of my sufferings, more pain- 
ful than death itself. Every other affliction I 
deem a consolation in comparison of this desolate- 
ness, upon which I dare not look, and yet from 
which I cannot turn away my eyes. 

Jesus ! by the excess of Thy own desolateness 
upon the cross, I entreat and implore Thee, do not 
refuse to relieve, or at least to instruct me. I con- 
fess that I do not deserve either of these favors, 
and that Thy example ought to be enough for me ; 
yet, unless Thou Thyself appliest it to me, I am 
such a wretch, that seeing I do not perceive, and 
hearing I do not understand. 



538 



THE THIRD BOOK. 



5. The voice of Jesus. — My Child, it is one thing 
to do good, and another to know that thou art 
doing good. The former makes up the merit; the 
latter begets enjoyment. Again, Child,* it is one 
thing to live in My grace, and another to be aware 
that thou art living in My grace. The one consti- 
tutes thy true felicity; the other adds nothing to 
thy felicity, except a sensible delight. 

Now, of this agreeable and delightful knowledge, 
in which there is no merit, I do sometimes affec- 
tionately deprive a soul, that she may be manfully 
trained to sanctity and be made perfect in love for 
Me. This is the highest purity of love : to strug- 
gle for love by means of love, whilst thou feelest 
not the love through which and for which thou art 
contending. 

Be not anxious, therefore, My Child, to persuade 
thyself, that thou livest in My grace. For thou 
wouldst labor in vain to obtain for thyself that 
which, for the present, I do not wish thee to have. 

I seek and love thy true good, rather than thy 
sensible delight ; and this privation I know to be 
truly useful to thee, in order that, when thou tind- 
est, in sensible things, no support whereon either 
to stand or to lean, thou mayst repose, outside of 
what is sensible, in Me alone, the unchangeable 
Good. 

Wherefore, Child, as much as thou canst, turn 
thyself to Me, away from the troubles which thou 
feelest; throw thyself on My Heart, re-affirming 



CHAPTER XXIII. 



537 



ever the same, that, for love of Me, thou art willing 
to do in all things the good pleasure of My Heart. 

After this, perform gently whatsoever thou hast 
to do, and omit none of thy accustomed good works 
on account of spiritual desolation. 

So long as the desolation besets thee, do not oc- 
cupy thyself, under any pretense whatsoever, with 
troublesome reflections about the same; remain 
quiet; pray; ever resign, ever give thyself up 
to Me. 

Lastly, remember this, that, in this desolation, 
thou must lean not upon any creature outside of 
thyself, nor even upon thyself, but upon Me alone. 
Therefore, the more thou art able to leave thyself, 
to turn thyself away from thyself, to cling to My 
Heart, yea, to lose and forget thyself therein, the 
better it will be for thee. 

6. The voice of the Disciple. — Benediction, and 
praise, and glory be to Thy Heart, Lord, because 
Its goodness has moved Thee to teach me the way 
of life in the midst of the shadow of death. 

Yet, although I am so unworthy that I do not 
even deserve to prostrate myself in the dust before 
Thy feet, suffer me, I beseech Thee, to make 
known to Thee a still greater desolation, an unut- 
terable torture, whereby the sorrows of hell appear 
sometimes to come upon me. 

For I seem, betimes, in some wonderful manner 
to feel persuaded, not merely that I am deprived 
of Thy grace, but even that I have been cast away 



538 



THE THIRD BOOK. 



by Thee, and, therefore, that hell is my home, 
which I try in vain to escape. 

I should not dare to make known to Thee, Lord 
God, this great wretchedness of mine, did not my 
extreme misery compel me to lay open before Thee 
the abyss, the depth whereof I know not. 

7. The voice of Jesus. — This is enough, My Child ; 
it shows sufficiently what thou dost experience. 

Attend to this above all other things. Child, be- 
ware of this beyond everything else, that thou be 
not discomposed, how great soever may be thy 
desolateness. 

Behold ! what thou sufferest, the Saints them- 
selves have suffered, who, having become most 
perfectly assimilated to Me, have in this manner 
altogether died to themselves, and, as new crea- 
tures, have solely lived for Me. 

Believe, and hope, and love purely, My Child : 
lo ! now is the time to practice pure virtues, to 
elicit heroic acts. 

Be not downhearted : that which seems death, is 
a hidden life ; that which now appears destruction, 
will, in the end, be found to be a renewal. 

But from what thou sufferest, learn thou, Child, 
how great is the kindness of My Heart, whereby 
I preserve thee from experiencing in reality ever- 
lasting reprobation ; since thou feelest that the 
mere thought of it exceeds all the sufferings of life. 

Hence, also, infer, how justly thou art bound to 
love Me in return without measure, since by Me 



CHAPTER XXIII. 



539 



thou hast been preserved from an immeasurable 
misfortune. 

8. Now, observe, My Child, that it is the demon 
who, by his suggestions, causes thee to doubt about 
My truth, when I assert that I will the salvation of 
all men : that it is the demon, who sets thee on to 
distrust My mercy, in which they that hope shall 
not be put to confusion, from which they that ask 
do receive : that it is the demon, who stirs thee up 
not to think kindly of Me, whilst yet, with an infi- 
nite love, I ordain all things for thy everlasting 
happiness. 

It is from the devil that come all things which 
of themselves are evil, — never from Me, who do 
not try any one in this manner. 

Whatsoever the devil may put into thy thoughts, 
leave it to him ; neither do thou dispute nor deal 
with him in any wise. 

Be simply, and continue quietly resigned to the 
divine Will; and, even if, on account of the great- 
ness of thy spiritual desolation, thou appearest not 
wholly conformed to the divine good pleasure, do 
not trouble thyself, nor make thyself uneasy ; but 
throw thyself, without anxiety, on My Heart, and 
repeat : God, my Saviour, Thy Will be done in my 
regard, in time and in eternity. 

It is impossible, My Child, that he, who thus 
intrusts himself to the divine Will, should perish. 
Sooner shall heaven and earth pass away, than that 



540 



THE THIRD BOOK. 



he be lost, who gives himself up, without reserve, 
to the divine good pleasure. 

For the rest, be of good cheer, Child of My 
Heart, generously endure this martyrdom, with 
which the Disciples most dear to My Heart are 
honored, and which secures an unfading palm and 
an everlasting crown. 

9. The voice of the Disciple. — Jesus ! O Thou 
my last refuge ! what shall I say to all this ? Be- 
hold ! comforted, and disconsolate at the same time, 
I cannot give utterance to what I feel : but Thou 
seest into my heart. 

By Thy own supreme desolateness, Lord Jesus, 
save Thou my soul, for which Thou hast endured 
torments, so numerous and so excessive. 

As much as I am able, I intrust myself wholly 
to Thee : I surrender myself altogether to the care 
of Thy Heart : Thy Will be done in my regard in 
time and in eternity. 



CHAPTER XXIV. 

THAT JESUS ACCOMPLISHING ALL UPON THE CROSS, 
TEACHES US TO ACCOMPLISH, IN LIKE MANNER, 
ALL THINGS UPON THE CROSS. 



1. The voice of Jesus. — Behold, My Child, at last 
I completed the work, which My Father gave Me to 
do. 



CHAPTER XXIV. 



541 



Having come down from the highest heaven to 
run my way, lo ! I have finished My career. 

I now finish a life made up of labors, and sor- 
rows, and ceaseless sacrifices : the pains of all these 
are now brought to a close, but the merits and 
fruits of them endure forever. 

The irreparable ruin of Satan's kingdom is con- 
summated, and he himself, the prince of this world, 
is despoiled of his dominions and cast out. 

My kingdom, — which I have acquired by My 
own Blood, to which I have given success by the 
very love of My Heart, which I have strengthened 
by every means unto a lasting stability and secur- 
ity, so that thereof there shall be no end, — stands 
firm. 

Whatsoever existed from the beginning as types 
of Me, whatsoever has been written concerning Me, 
now sees its end : behold ! now is the time that 
transgression may be finished, that sin may receive 
an end, that iniquity may be abolished, and ever- 
lasting justice may be brought. 

Naught remains undone, naught remains to be 
suffered : all is consummated. Now, I will die with 
My Heart satisfied. 

Here pause, My Child, and attend where I have 
consummated all things. Behold! I persevere upon 
the cross. Consider, and act according to the 
model, that was showed to thee on the mountain. 

2. If now thou hast learnt the sentiments of My 
Heart, and hast put on the same, thou wilt not de- 



542 



THE THIRD BOOK. 



sire to live, thou wilt not desire to die, except fast- 
ened to the cross. 

For no other road, than the one whereon I 
have journeyed, is given under heaven to men, to 
become Saints, and to be saved. 

if thou knewest what good things for the pres- 
ent and the future life thou mightst procure for thy- 
self, by lovingly continuing on the cross ; assur- 
edly, like Myself, thou shouldst not be willing, of 
thyself, to come down therefrom. 

It is much safer, it is much better, in every re- 
spect, to persevere on the cross, for love of Me, 
than, of thy own accord, to free thyself from the 
cross. 

My Child, if thou didst know the value and the 
reward of tribulations, thou wouldst deem this life 
too short for suffering, but eternity long enough to 
enjoy the recompense. 

3. If thou desirest to persevere with ease in af- 
flictions, do not reflect upon the years, the months, 
nor even the weeks during which they may last : 
but think of the present day, as if it were to be the 
last, and, as if thou shouldst have nothing more to 
suffer, and to merit thereafter. 

Blessed they that, amid their tribulations, are 
more anxious to render themselves alike to Me, 
than to free themselves therefrom ! These are they 
that, by the purest love, perfect themselves in 
union with Me. 

Look at the example of the Saints, who, despis- 



CHAPTER XXIV. 



543 



iug everything that was merely self, sought Me 
with such purity, were inflamed with such ardor to 
conform themselves to 3Ie, that they longed, some 
either to suffer or to die ; others, not to die but to 
suffer. 

Nor were they satisfied to suffer those things 
only, which divine Providence meted out to them ; 
but, moved by My Spirit, they assumed voluntary 
mortifications and labors, and, in their fervor, they 
were ever urged onward to perfect themselves in 
Me by love. 

4. Examine and try all things, My Child, thou 
wilt at last be obliged to come back to this truth, 
that the spiritual, the interior life is reduced to 
this, that thou do constantly sacrifice the inclina- 
tion and aversion of nature for love of Me, in order 
to live by My Spirit. 

And this thou must do, so long as life endures. 
For, so long as thou livest, thou art man, and there- 
fore, prone and liable to evil ; nor canst thou, other- 
wise than by striving and using thy endeavors, shun 
what is evil and imperfect, and do what is good and 
perfect. 

Thus, generously to go counter to nature, and to 
follow grace for love of Me ; this is the spirit of 
the Saints. 

5. If thou art wise, My Child, thou wilt desire 
no other reward in this life for the things which 
thou sufferest, than a greater love for Me, and more 
abundant grace to suffer for My sake. 



THE THIRD BOOK. 



Thy afflictions shall never equal Mine : I. however, 
persevered in theni until I consummated My life, 
that thou mightst learn to continue in thine, so 
long as it is the Will of the divine good pleasure. 

Be ashamed, My Child, for that thou art, some- 
times, so silly as even to think of forsaking Me 
upon the cross. 

If thou lovest Me for My own sake, thou wilt 
under no circumstance depart from Me. But if 
thou lovest Mc for thyself, no wonder that, while 
trouble besets thee, thou darest to wish for what is 
to thee more agreeable. 

A hireling cares not so much for his master as 
for his own self : and he finds no difficulty in leav- 
ing a master whom he must serve with hard labor, 
and without an immediate advantage. 

Yet thou didst not receive the slavish spirit of a 
hireling, but a nobler spirit, the spirit of a Child ; 
that where I am, thou also ma} 7 st be. 

Take heed, lest thou grow degenerate in spirit : 
persevere with Me, determined rather to die at thy 
post, than to abandon the same. 

6. What shall it avail thee to have suffered much 
for My sake, unless thou perfect it by perse- 
verance ? 

If, hitherto, thou hast followed Me amid tribu- 
lations, rejoice thou, My Child ; yet, at the same 
time, remember, not he that begins, but he that 
perseveres, will be saved. A reward is, indeed, 



CHAPTER XXIV. 



545 



promised to thein that begin, but it is given to them 
that persevere. 

To stimulate thee to perseverance, frequently 
place before thy eyes that everlasting reward, which 
awaits thee among the Saints, and which far ex- 
ceeds all present tribulation. 

Pray much, My Child, that thou mayst not be 
disheartened, nor lose the crown prepared for thee. 
So long as thou prayest well, thou wilt continue 
well. 

Finally, Child, be ever mindful of My example, 
and of My presence : daily renew thy resolve, and 
strengthen thy heart, to abide with Me. Thus thou 
shalt pass through each successive day, and come, 
at last, to a final and blissful consummation. 

7. The voice of the Disciple. — O most sweet 
Jesus ! by the merits of Thy Passion, by the merits 
of all the Saints, that clung so faithfully to Thee, 
grant me to persevere with Thee unto the end. 

I am, indeed, desirous and anxious to remain 
with Thee on the cross, and to consummate all with 
Thee thereon : but I know and feel that my powers 
are insufficient for this. 

Strengthen and inspire me, therefore, I beseech 
Thee, with that grace which the Saints have found 
fully sufficient to accomplish it ; that I may per- 
fect myself upon the cross, as a holocaust to Thee 
for an odor of sweetness, and for the everlasting 
salvation of my soul. 
46 



546 



THE THIRD BOOK. 



CHAPTER XXV. 

THAT JESUS COMMENDING HIS SPIRIT INTO THE 
HANDS OE HIS FATHER, TEACHES US, HOW WE 
MUST WHOLLY GIVE UP OURSELVES TO HIM. 

1. The voice of Jesus. — My Children, yet a little 
while am I with you, until, all things being now 
consummated, the love itself of My Heart be con- 
summated. 

Behold, Child, nothing now is left to Me except 
My Spirit, for, not only affectively, but also effec- 
tively, My Heart has sacrificed all the rest as a 
holocaust. 

Although My soul was ever in the hands of My 
Father, and voluntarily consecrated to Him from 
the beginning ; now, however, in order to complete 
the excess of My love, I sacrifice, I lay down the 
same. No one takes It away from Me, but I of 
Myself lay It down. 

In this consummation of the excess of Its love, 
My Heart, before It expires, utters Its last words 
for thee. 

And that thou mayst understand of how great 
an importance they are, I did not now sigh, but I 
cried out with a loud voice : Father, into Thy 
hands I commend My Spirit. 

This is the uttermost excess of humility and 



CHAPTER XXV. 



547 



love, beyond which it is not possible to go in this 
life ; and in this same I die. 

In the supreme extremity of every kind of sor- 
rows, behold ! I throw Myself, entirely and com- 
pletely, into the hands of My Father. 

Xow I do not say to My Father : Not Mine, but 
Thy Will be done. For My Will is no longer 
Mine but that of My Father, into whose hands I 
have delivered the same. 

2. My Child, receive thou with a special affection 
these last words of thy Saviour, dying for love of 
thee ; treasure them up in thy heart, and piously 
meditate thereon. 

For they contain the abridgment and completion 
of all the things whichsoever I have hitherto taught 
thee concerning the interior life, concerning virtue 
and holiness. 

In them lie hidden the secrets of My Heart most 
precious and most useful to thee. Search thou into 
them, Child : use them : but, above all, study dili- 
gently to reduce them to practice. 

Wherefore, as I commended M} T Spirit into the 
hands of My Father, so do thou intrust thy spirit 
into My hands. 

If thou do this, thou wilt cease altogether to live 
by thy spirit, and wilt begin so to live by My Spirit, 
ihat thy heart, thy mind, thy all, will breathe 
naught save My Spirit. 

Then thy will, now no longer thine, but deliv- 



548 



THE THIRD BOOK. 



ered up to the divine Will, shall be, in some man- 
ner, one with Mine. 

3. Behold, My Child, the highest degree of sanc- 
tity in a life made perfect b} r virtues, when the soul 
with a holy indifference toward everything, wills of 
her own accord nothing farther, but suffers Me to 
will, to dispose, aud to do in her regard, and con- 
cerning all besides, as is pleasing to Me ; whilst she 
herself consents to My every Will and ordinance, 
being, always and everywhere, conformed and 
united to Me. 

Blessed the soul that reaches this degree ! in Me 
she finds repose amidst and above all things : above 
every feeling, above every virtue, above all salva- 
tion, above every good. 

In such a soul, I so set in order the purity of 
charity, I so ravish her with the love of My Heart, 
that, far above all things visible and invisible,' she 
is wholly Mine and I hers. 

When thou wilt have in this manner delivered 
thyself entirely and completely to My divine good 
pleasure ; then shalt thou, in the most perfect man- 
ner, be free from all vain fear and inordinate sad- 
ness, from every merely natural wish and desire, 
finally, from every superfluous care and uneasiness. 

Then, as it were, forgetful of thyself and of what 
may happen in the future, thou wilt look upon this 
as thy joy, to cause Me joy by doing My good 
pleasure. Provided My Heart be satisfied, thine 



CHAPTER XXV. 



549 



will also be contented, regardless whether this be 
pleasing or displeasing to nature. 

4. All the Saints have excelled in this greatest 
of virtues : and so highly did they esteem the di- 
vine good pleasure, and to such a degree did they 
cherish the same, that, in some manner, forgetting 
themselves, they preferred it above all things. 

Imitate the Saints, My Child, if thou wilt be a 
Saint, or desirest to reign with the Saints. 

This life of the divine good pleasure, is an image 
of the life in heaven. For, the inhabitants of 
heaven, being perfectly satisfied, each one with his 
own beatitude, are, by the same divine good plea- 
sure, all rendered blissful. 

• Take away this conformity to the divine Will, 
and behold ! the interior life becomes a delusion ; 
neither does there exist any longer a road to 
sanctity. 

5. When thou dost will and not will the same 
with Me in all things, in great as well as in small, 
in things spiritual as well as in things temporal, in 
adversity no less than in prosperity; finall}', in life 
as well as in death ; then be glad and rejoice, My 
Child ; because thou art become a Disciple accord- 
ing to My own Heart. 

Thou wilt now not only offer, not merely resign 
thyself, and all that is thine, to Me, that I may use 
the same ; but of thy own accord thou wilt allow, 
thou wilt desire that I dispose, according to My 



550 



THE THIRD BOOK. 



good pleasure, of thyself and of thine, of all thou 
art, and of all thou'possessest. 

Deliver, therefore, My Child, and leave to Me 
thyself and whatsoever is thine ; and continue 
faithfully, even unto death, in this surrendering, 
in this abandoning of thyself to the Will and good 
pleasure of My Heart. 

Be persuaded that, if thou hast thus died with 
Me, thou shalt also live with Me, and reign among 
the Saints in the life never-ending. 

8. The voice of the Disciple. — the sublimity of 
the sanctity of Thy Heart, Lord Jesus ! However, 
since Thou invitest me so urgently, and callest me 
so gently thereto, I must courageously strive, and 
generously make bold to attain thereto. 

Wherefore, relying upon the power of Thy 
grace, and animated by Thy example, behold ! I 
intrust my spirit to Thy hands ; to Thee I con- 
sign my spirit, that I may live by Thy Spirit alone ; 
to Thee I give up my will that I may move, act, 
suffer, die by Thy Will alone. 

Lo ! I :im wholly Thine; take me, then, and dis- 
pose of me always and ever}, where according to the 
good pleasure of Thy Heart. 

May I at last, by a perfect likeness to Thee, and 
a perfect union with Thee, become a perfect Disci- 
ple of Thy Heart ! 



CHAPTER XXVI. 



551 



CHAPTER XXVI. 

THE HEART OF JESUS, AFTER HIS DEATH OPENED 
FOR LOVE OF US, IS THE REFUGE AND SOLACE 
OF ALL. 

1. The voice of the Disciple. — See Jesus dying 
upon the cross ! spectacle ! God, behold Thy 
Son ! Mary, behold thy Jesus ! O Angels, look 
ye and weep ! 

saddest sight, such as never was before, never 
shall be again ! Lo ! as the Creator expires all cre- 
ation is moved, all mourns. The heavens are moved, 
hide their light for grief, and wrap the world in 
darkness. 

The earth, wails, and trembles even unto her 
foundations, and shakes and tears asunder the rocks 
arid stones. 

Religion weeps, and, as if for a sign of grief, 
rends her garment, when the vail of the temple is 
rent in two from the top even to the bottom. 

Death itself is moved, and as if sorrowing for its 
deed, suffers the dead to arise. Behold, the tombs 
are opened, and many bodies come forth. 

All nature in a pang, the whole universe, laments 
for Jesus dying upon the cross between heaven and 
earth. 

spectacle ! Jesus, the Son of God, died in tor- 
ments for love of us ! everlasting memorial of 
the love of the Heart of Jesus ! 



552 



THE THIRD BOOK. 



2. But, behold ! one of the soldiers, with a spear, 
opened His Side, and immediately there issued 
forth Blood and water. New miracle of love ; 
manifold mystery ! 

The Heart of Jesus is opened that thence may 
he formed His only one, His perfect one, His Vir- 
gin Spouse, the Holy Church. 

Blood and water issue forth : Blood, that re- 
deems ; Water, that cleanses souls. The Water 
flows, that, by the laver of Baptism, men may be 
born again into the Church : the Blood flows, that, 
by the fruit of His Heart, the most Holy Sacra- 
ment, they may be perfected in the Church. 

Jesus willed that His Heart should be opened, 
to show us, that, even after the end of His life, He 
does by no means cease to cherish us ; and to con- 
vince us, that, even after His death, His Heart is 
burning with love for us. 

Finally, He willed that It should be opened, 
that we might possess in His Heart a permanent 
place of refuge, solace, everything necessary and 
useful. 

He willed that His Heart should not merely be 
wounded, but that It should be opened and con- 
tinue open, that there might ever be access, that 
the door might ever remain unclosed, through 
which he that enters in shall be saved, — and he 
shall go in, and go out, and shall find the pastures 
of life everlasting. 

3. Behold, then, through the opening of the 



CHAPTER XXVI. 



553 



Side, the innermost of His Heart is seen : that 
great mystery of love is revealed : the designs of 
the mercy of our G-od are unclosed, whereby He 
visited us, He the Orient from on high. 

Jesus willed to retain forever the visible wound 
of His Heart, whence the invisible wound of His 
love is made to appear, that It may be not only the 
place of refuge for mortals, but likewise the Para- 
dise of the Blessed. 

Hence it is, that, from this fountain of the Sa- 
viour, men, upon earth, draw with joy the living 
waters of all gifts and graces ; and the Angels and 
Saints, in heaven, obtain with exultation ever-flow- 
ing streams of admiration, and praise, and thanks- 
giving, and never-ending love. 

4. my soul ! lift up thy eyes to Jesus ; see thy 
own Beloved ; view that Heart wounded by love, 
opened by love. 

Behold, the opened Breast displays the affections 
of His Heart ; the Wound proves to what an extent 
that Heart cherishes thee. 

The whole appearance shows, that Jesus, thy 
Beloved above all, is truly meek and humble of 
Heart. 

The Heart of thy Jesus, behold ! is open ; It is 
opened that thou mayst draw near and enter there- 
in ; that to Him thou mayst give and deliver up 
thy heart. 

5. Behold the unfathomable abyss of goodness j 

47 



554 



THE THIRD BOOK. 



who shall measure the same? who shall compre- 
hend its depth and breadth? Neither man n? 
Angel shall ever comprehend its hounds. 

"Who among the unfortunate can dread to ap- 
proach the Heart of Him, who died for love of the 
unfortunate ; yea, who even keeps His Heart open, 
that to all the wretched there may be given a free 
entrance ! 

Graze upon the Heart of Jesus, who died for 
thee, and His evident love, stronger than death, 
more vigorous than life, all sweetness, will expel 
fear, will remove distrust, will cast aside faintheart- 
edness, will arouse faith, will strengthen hope, will 
enkindle love : and thou wilt go to immerse thyself 
into this ocean of goodness. 

If ever thou becomest forgetful of the love of 
Jesus, or doubtest His affection, turn thyself to 
Him and hearken : His wounded Heart will cry 
out, how He loves, how much He cherishes ; and 
will cry out again, that thou shouldst love in re- 
turn, that thou shouldst requite His affection. 

If thou art straitened, if thou art troubled, 
hasten, run, to this fountain of every grace, to this 
gushing spring of all consolation. 

If thy unfaithfulness frighten thee, let thy con- 
fidence and courage be cheered on by the tokens of 
benignity of the Heart of Jesus, His head bowed 
down, His arms outstretched, His Breast glow- 
ing with love for thee. 



CHAPTER XXVI. 



555 



In every peril, in every difficulty, throw thyself 
confidingly upon the Heart of Jesus: cast thy 
anxieties upon Him, because He has a care of 
thee. 

And if thou hast done any good action, if thou 
hast gained any merit, hide it safely in the Heart 
of Jesus, that this Sacred Heart may sanctify the 
same by Its virtue, may keep it from the thief, 
vain glory ; and from the moth, self-love ; and may 
guard it for the day of final retribution. 

6. most precious, most sweet wound of the 
Heart of my Jesus, deserving of love above all deco- 
rations of honor ; thou our resort before every 
other place ! if out of thee I take but one draught 
of love, I soon forget all my miseries ; I feel a dis- 
gust for things worldly and earthly, and I relish 
things spiritual and heavenly, — naught, except 
Jesus, and Him wounded by love, do I care to 
know and love. 

O most sweet Jesus! draw me to Thee: draw 
me through the wound of Thy Breast to Thy divine 
Heart, that now I may no longer live in myself, but 
may have life in Thee, may live in Thy Heart, the 
blissful abode of all the Saints. 

Grant, I beseech Thee, Oh ! do grant, that my 
heart, wholly united with Thee, and possessing 
in all things one and the same sentiment with 
Thee, may be forever closed to Thy enemies, dead 
to myself and the world, ever open to Thee, 



556 



THE THIRD BOOK. 



breathing Thee alone, above all things loving 
Thee. 

Jesus, Beloved of my soul ! forever preserve 
me in Thy Heart, which is sweeter than every 
sweetness, and wherein I find all I can desire for 
true beatitude. 



DIRECTORY FOR THE FOURTH BOOK. 



Is The purpose of the Fourth Book is, to teach 
the soul how to unite herself with God her Saviour. 
This is effected by divine love. Now, this whole 
Book treats of the divine love, its causes, its effects, 
its various ways. These things, if looked into 
at their very source, if considered in the very Heart 
of Jesus, — loving, that we may return His love; 
burning, that we may melt ; uniting Himself with 
us, that we may unite ourselves with Him, must 
needs ravish our hearts, melt us wholly, so as to 
become, in some manner, one with Him. 

2. This life of divine union, which is the most 
perfect and the most blissful portion of the interior 
life, is not to be so understood, as if the souls, that 
live this life, ought no longer to perform any ex- 
ercise pertaining to the purificative or the illumin- 
ative life. The practices of these three sorts of 
lives are never, on this earth, altogether separated. 
So long as you live, to whatsoever degree of the 
divine union you may have attained, you shall al- 
ways have something to do, in order to cleanse the 
heart more perfectly, or to preserve it pure ; you 
shall always have to practice virtue, either by doing 
or by suffering. 

But this life is to be so understood, that the 
soul, — when duly cleansed, and sufficiently adorned 

(557) 



558 DIRECTORY TOR THE FOURTH BOOK. 



with genuine and solid virtues, acquired by gener- 
ous acts of self-abnegation, lives in intimacy with 
Jesus her God, — enjoying a certain holy, mutual, 
and unspeakable familiarity with Him, relishes 
what He relishes, wills what He wills, dislikes what 
He dislikes, occupies herself, meanwhile, for the 
most part, with those exercises, those acts, by which 
this union is fostered and consolidated ; although, 
sometimes, through love, rather than any other 
motive, she performs such tnings as belong to the 
purifying of the interior, or the practicing of vir- 
tues. In like manner, souls, — that labor for the 
most part to purify, themselves interiorly, or apply 
themselves, for the most part, to acquire solidly 
true virtues, — are said to lead the life of purifica- 
tion or of illumination, according as they occupy 
themselves commonly with the one or the other, 
even if they perform, at the same time, many prac- 
tices, which properly belong to other parts of the 
interior life. 

And these things are to be carefully attended to, 
lest a person fall into a delusion, here particularly 
full of danger, Wherefore, unless he is willing to 
be deceived, and to imperil himself, let no mortal 
ever think, that he has not to labor any further ; 
that he has no longer anything to accomplish. 
Above all, let no one ever believe, that he has no 
longer anything to fear; that he may freely expose 
himself to danger, under this or the like pretense, 
that he is not moved by any created object, or that 



DIRECTORY FOR THE FOURTH BOOK. 559 



he seeks or wills naught except God. By such a 
delusion they themselves, who were distinguished 
by the name of sanctity, and the glory of martyr- 
dom, and glittered like stars in the firmament, have 
shamefully fallen into the abyss. From this same 
source of presumption other delusions flow ; such 
as, to neglect one's duties, or other signs of God's 
Will, for the sake of quietly reposing amid the de- 
lights of divine favor ; to seek rather the gifts of 
the Lord than the Lord Himself ; to desire things 
which are extraordinary. 

3. When, therefore, you are in this part, you 
ought to direct everything to this, that you do ever 
more and more love Jesus, your God and Savi- 
our, and that you do, by the purest love, unite 
yourself intimately with Him. Now, this love is 
obtained by considering His countless favors, the 
ineffable workings of the love of His Heart, His 
stupendous and most delightful promises ; lastly, 
all the good things whiph He prepares for you in 
time and in eternity : by contemplating His most 
lovely and infinite perfections, on account of which 
alone He is most worthy of all possible love : finally, 
by prayer, by visits in person or in spirit to the 
most Blessed Sacrament, by dealing devotedly and 
fervently with Him in holy Communion. 

4. The method of using this Book may be one 
of the four laid down before the First and Second 
Books. Of these, each one may here follow that 
method, which he believes more useful for himself, 



560 DIRECTORY FOR THE FOURTH BOOK. 



according to the state of his soul ; and which he 
will so apply to the matter here proposed, as to 
secure the object of this Book. 

However, it should be carefully noticed, as in 
others, so especially in this part of the interior life, 
that it is by no means proper so to adhere to a set- 
tled manner or method, that you do not suffer your- 
self to be guided by heavenly grace, or by the 
Spirit of Grod, who is accustomed frequently, — par- 
ticularly with regard to souls that, purified and il- 
lumined, take pains to unite themselves wholly 
with God, — to pass by every mode or method, to 
leave off almost all processes of reasoning, to enrap- 
ture the heart, to raise it up into His admirable 
light, and to affect it in an unutterable manner. 

The affections, to which it is here proper to give 
yourself up, and the acts which you ought to ex- 
cite, are chiefly these : 

Of gratitude, or of thanksgiving for the gifts and 
graces granted to yourself and to others : yea, also, 
for the glory, the beatitude, and the perfection of 
the Lord our G-od ; as the Church teaches us by 
her example, when she says : We thank Thee for 
Thy own great glory. 

Of joy, on account of His mercy, His liberality, 
His love toward yourself, and all other creatures : on 
account of His perfections in themselves ; on ac- 
count of His honor, and blissfulness, and joy. 

Of confidence in the goodness of His Heart, in 
His care, in His Providence. 



DIRECTORY FOR THE FOURTH BOOK. 5G1 



Of admiration , on account of the magnitude and 
the multitude of the blessings bestowed upon your- 
self and others, the works of divine love, His in- 
infinite perfections. 

Of praise, so as to extol His marvelous works, 
now alone by yourself, now in union with the 
Church ; again by inviting all creatures, and again 
by associating yourself with the Saints and Angels 
in heaven. 

Of zeal, for His honor and glory, and for the 
salvation and perfection of souls, for His sake. 

Of humility, so as to remember and acknowledge 
that you are worthless, but that God is generous, 
since He pours out for you the treasures of His 
Heart. 

Of filial love, whereby you are filled with a holy 
dread of offending the Lord ; whereby you lovingly 
grieve for the offenses with which His Heart has 
been saddened by yourself and others. 

Of pure love, whereby you give, surrender and 
sacrifice yourself and all you possess, to Him ; 
whereby you conform yourself in all things to His 
Will and good pleasure ; whereby, finally, you live 
uniform, completely united with Him. 

But these and other acts, as elsewhere, so espe- 
cially are they here to be made in such a manner, 
that, so long as you can usefully occupy yourself 
with one, you do by no means pass over to another ; 
but continue to entertain yourself sweetly and de- 
voutly with the same, until either the time of prayer 



562 DIRECTORY FOR THE FOURTH BOOK. 



is past, or tlie Spirit of grace leads you to others : 
but if, whilst you endeavor affectionately and qui- 
etly to adhere to one act or affection, you find that 
you can no longer apply yourself to it, pass over to 
some other, suggested either by the wants of your 
soul, your own devotion, or the Spirit of grace. 

Lastly, suffer yourself freely to be led by the 
Spirit of the Lord to whatever is good, whether to 
meditation, or to contemplation; to deal with Him 
by means of the affections, or to repose in His 
presence:* to hold converse with Him, or to hearken 
to Him ; to ask, or to give. Neither use any 
efforts, to remain actually conscious of your occu- 
pations in prayer. 

5. The rules, which do properly belong here, for 
the discernment of spirits, inasmuch as they are 
quite nice and delicate, must be well learnt and un- 
derstood, so that they may be applied with profit. 
The Saints teach us the following: 

The first. There is a two-fold divine union, with 
a consummation of the same : the first is called 
active, the second, passive union. 

The active union consists in the perfect uniform- 
it}^ of our will with the divine Will. This is the 
whole perfection of divine love. Through this 
union the sentiments of the Heart of Jesus are our 
sentiments, the Spirit of Jesus is our spirit, the life 
of Jesus our life. Hence, sweetly united with 
Jesus, we enjoy Him constantly, and we are truly 
made blissful. 



DIRECTORY FOR THE FOURTH BOOK. 563 



The passive union, on the other hand, consists in 
this, that, by the abundance of light and love poured 
in, the faculties are suspended ; so that the memory 
does not remember, the intellect does not think, the 
will does not love, except the Lord God ; the whole 
soul being so absorbed by the divine object, that 
she does not perceive this state of suspension. This 
union, replenished with marvelous and most de- 
lightful gifts, is, generally, each time of short 
duration, nor is it wont to last an hour. Hence, 
during the intervals, the soul should be occupied 
and content with the active union. 

Every one may attain to the active union by 
faithfulness to the grace which is given him : but 
no human industry — the divine goodness alone — 
can raise the soul to the passive union. 

The consummation of the divine union consists 
in this, that the soul united with the Lord, is, in 
some manner, so transformed into the divine object 
of her love, that, the faculties being neither sus- 
pended nor impeded, she herself, habitually, pla- 
cidly, and sweetly enjoys her Lord; being wholly, 
in a wonderful and delightful manner, absorbed as 
it were, in Him, and, nevertheless, exceedingly 
well-disposed both to action and to contemplation. 

The second. It is a safer way, to long and seek 
after the active union, rather than the passive, or 
the things which are sometimes vouchsafed in the 
passive, such as visions, revelations, and similar 
communications. It may happen that souls that 



564 DIRECTORY FOR THE FOURTH BOOK. 



live in the active union, have much more merit than 
those to whom the passive union is granted ; be- 
cause they do and endure greater and more gene- 
rous things for the Lord, and they are satisfied, ac- 
cording to the divine good pleasure, to be deprived 
of those consolations, — given to others, but not to 
themselves, in the present life, — which they will 
receive when more sweetly and more abundantly 
bestowed in the life to come. 

The third. Let the soul, in order to move and in- 
cite herself to do and bear great and noble things 
for the Lord, acknowledge and confess, that she has 
received and does receive many and great things 
from the Lord j not that she may deem herself bet- 
ter than others, but that she may serve Him 
with more generosity and perfection. Wherefore, 
let her reject, as coming not from the good but from 
the evil spirit, every thought, every emotion, which, 
under any pretense whatsoever, leads her to com- 
plaints about her misery, to dejection of heart, or 
pusillanimousness. 

The fourth. Whatsoever outpourings of the divine 
goodness the soul may receive, howsoever intimately 
she may be united with God, how much soever she 
may even be made perfect in the Supreme Good, 
she ought ever to remember that she is not impec- 
cable, but that she may still perish. — unless she be 
faithful to the Lord. And, therefore, the more and 
the greater favors she receives, the more humble it 
behooves her to be, and the more purely should 



DIRECTORY FOR THE FOURTH BOOK. 565 

she love God. Hence, if she be moved to rely 
upon the long duration of her virtuous life, or the 
firmness of her good resolves, or the solidity of her 
virtue, in order to expose herself to dangers, let her 
know that she is moved by the evil, not the good 
Spirit. 

The fifth. Matters which lead or call you away 
from the Catholic faith, — such as some instigations 
and communications, — should be carefully and 
powerfully rejected, as the effects of the evil spirit. 
Those, on the contrary, which are consistent with 
the Catholic faith, and serve to unite the soul with 
her Lord and God, may be received with humble 
thankfulness, as fruits of the good Spirit; and they 
may even be asked humbly and resignedly, with 
the intention, that the soul may increase in the love 
of God, and become more perfectly united with 
Him. 

The sixth. When it is known that, by means of 
the communications received, the soul becomes 
more and more dead to herself, is animated with 
desire of greater perfection, and advances in the 
love of God, it is a sign that they come from the 
good Spirit. But when it is perceived that, in con- 
sequence of these communications, the soul becomes 
inclined to gratify corrupt nature, or loses the 
hunger and thirst after greater perfection, or that, 
with a sort of stubbornness, she wants to defend or 
hold the communications as divine, although the 
director of her conscience does not believe so, or is 



566 DIRECTORY FOR THE FOURTH BOOK. 



in doubt about it, it is a sign that they come from 
the evil spirit. 

The seventh. The soul should not desire visions 
or revelations, nor place her perfection and sanc- 
tity in having them. Let her remember that, 
through them, several have been deceived and have 
fallen into the greatest danger. If she experiences 
a longing after them, let her believe, without a 
doubt, that it has been suggested or excited by the 
evil spirit, and let her check and expel the same. 

The eighth. The more eagerly extraordinary 
things of this kind are coveted, the greater danger 
they present, that the soul may be deluded, and 
led away from the true path of sanctity, which 
Jesus, — the meek and humble of Heart — has indi- 
cated, and which the Saints follow. 
St. Ignat. St. Alphonsus. Blesskd Margaret Mary. 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



ADMONITIONS HELPFUL TOWARD UNITING 
ONE'S SELF WITH THE HEART OF JESUS 
IN BLISS. 



CHAPTER I. 

THE MOST BLESSED SACRAMENT OF THE EUCHA- 
RIST IS AN INVENTION OF THE LOVE OF THE 
MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS. 

1. The voice of Jesus. — I was dead, My Child, 
and behold I am living for evermore. 

I had come forth from the Father, and had come 
into the world : at last I was leaving the world to 
return to the Father. 

However, the love of My Heart did not allow, 
nor suffer, that I should leave them orphans, whom 
I cherished more than My own life. 

The love of My Father called and invited Me, 
that, coming, I might be glorified with Him, with 
the glory which I had with Him before the world 
was created. 

The love of men also invited and urged Me on, 
that, staying among them, I might comfort them 
amidst all the troubles of life. 

(567) 



568 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



And behold ! My Heart invented a means of sat- 
isfying both My love for My Father, and My love 
for men. 

A mystery, My Child, that going up into heaven 
I may be seated at the right of the Father, and 
abide with you even to the consummation of the 
world. 

A mystery, which, unless I Myself had drawn it 
forth from My Heart, no mortal could ever have 
imagined : a mystery, which transcends all created 
nature : a mystery, in fine, which exceeds all finite 
power. 

There is need, therefore, of stupendous miracles, 
to be wrought by divine omnipotence alone. But 
love triumphs : love, which in My divine Heart 
found the design, there also found the power of ex- 
ecuting the same. 

All things are possible, all things are easy, if I 
will them in My Heart, whose Will is power and 
execution. 

2. As men were not able to bear the sight of My 
glorified Majesty, and the world could not subsist 
in the effulgence of such a brightness ; regard was 
to be had to their weakness, lest, alarmed at the 
splendor of My greatness, they might be kept 
away. Wherefore, I must needs conceal My daz- 
zling glory, and display naught that might fill them 
with dread. 

Moreover, My Child, since thou hast here no 
permanent city, but lookest for one to come, it is 



CHAPTER I. 



569 



expedient for thee, that I do abide with thee under 
another form ; lest, forgetting that thou art a pil- 
grim on earth, thou be willing to make here thy 
abode, and cling to the things of the present ; but 
that, mindful of thy place of exile, thou mayst 
aspire to thy country, where thou shalt be able, 
with face unyailed, to gaze upon My glory. 

Lastly, since this life is short, and after it there 
shall be no longer any time to gain merits, it is 
good and most useful that I hide My countenance, 
that thus thou mayst have a greater opportunity of 
reducing to practice faith, as well as all other 
virtues. 

3. If for so many reasons it is advantageous, that 
I dwell henceforth in another form among men 
upon earth : from among all possible forms that 
one should be chosen, which is best suited to My 
Heart, and most profitable to men. 

Now, My Child, since I came down to men, that 
they might have spiritual life, and since I stay in 
their midst that they may have it more abundantly ; 
and as the spiritual life bears in every way a resem- 
blance to the material life, which is sustained and 
strengthened by natural food; they need a super- 
natural food, whereby the life of the spirit may be 
preserved, may grow in solidity, and flourish ever 
more and more. 

It is better, therefore, that I remain under the 
appearance of food, since I am not only the Bread 
of life, but Life itself. For how much more abun- 
48 



570 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



dantly will the faithful soul have life, if she be 
nourished with Life itself? 

Besides, Child, My Heart is love : but love is the 
gift of one's self, and does not rest until it has given 
and united itself to the object beloved. 

Now, as in the life of nature, naught is more in- 
timately united than food and the one that takes it; 
so also in the spiritual life, by the gift of My love, 
the greatest and most intimate union occurs between 
the soul and Myself. 

This is that divine and beatific union, whereby I 
can render every soul blissful : the work of a bound- 
less love. 

Finally, I am pleased to stay among men under the 
form of a banquet, which is a token of the greatest 
friendship, in order that, even upon earth, the 
faithful may rejoice in My supernal fellowship, 
which the Blessed in heaven enjoy; and that they 
may recall with delight that never-ending bliss, 
wherein I dispose to you a kingdom, that you may 
eat and drink at My table, and where, girding My- 
self and going about, I will minister to you. 

This will be the union everlasting, and thrillingly 
blissful, — the Passover of never-ending joy, — the 
wine of eternal love, which I will drink with you 
ever new in the kingdom of My Father. 

4. In order that men might gradually be pre- 
pared for mysteries so great, I willed that, in many 
ways, all this should be foreshadowed in the Old 
Law. 



CHAPTER I. 



571 



A figure thereof was the fruit of the tree of life 
planted in Paradise, by the food of which men, in 
a state of innocence, were to be nourished, and to 
bloom with life, that they might preserve them- 
selves from death, and thus secure immortality. 

A figure thereof was the bread and wine offered 
by Melchisedech, the priest and king : priest of the 
Most High, king of Salem, king of peace. 

A figure thereof was the Paschal Lamb, the 
Lamb without blemish, which was both offered and 
eaten : which was to be consumed neither raw nor 
cooked, but prepared with fire : and they that eat 
the same were to have their loins girded, shoes on 
their feet, staves in their hands, as if in readiness 
to go on a journey. 

A figure thereof was the Manna in the desert, 
which fell every day from heaven, possessed the 
pleasantness of every kind of savor, was called the 
bread of Angels, of which, neither he that gathered 
more than the usual measure had more, nor he that 
collected less than another possessed less. 

A figure thereof was the Ark of the Covenant, 
wherein the Majesty of God was honored between 
the Cherubim ; and whence He was wont, day and 
night, to impart to His people propitiation, aid, and 
comfort. 

Lastly, a figure thereof was the bread baked un- 
der the ashes, whereby the Prophet was freed from 
his faintness and depression of spirit; and, endowed 



572 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



with new vigor, walked, on the strength of that 
food, even to the mountain of Grod, 

5. It was not unknown to Me, My Child, how much 
this institution would cost Me : how great and how 
many a sacrifice this My Sacramental life would 
require. 

I know to what humiliations I subject Myself, to 
how many insults I expose Myself. But all these 
My Heart deems less than the love, whereby It is 
borne towards My Father and towards men. 

My love is overcome by no obstacles : it triumphs 
easily over all. Nay more, these very difficulties 
themselves, it looks upon and displays, as so many 
proofs of its greatness and generosity. 

Behold, then, eminently the great Sacrament of 
affectionateness, which, conceived by My love be- 
fore all ages, was realized by My supreme power 
in time, appeared wonderful to the Angels, was 
preached to the nations : which has consoled the 
world, and which by its sweetness has inebriated 
the hearts of mortals. 

6. The voice of the Disciple. — the hight of the 
wisdom and love of Thy Heart, Jesus, Son- of the 
living God ! How marvelous, how stupendous are 
Its works ! How lovely, Lord, how sweet ! 

Behold, how Thou didst love us, most loving 
Jesus ! Thou didst annihilate Thyself for love of 
us, taking upon Thee the form of food, becoming 
like unto nourishment, and being found under the 



CHAPTER I. 



573 



appearance of bread, but the Bread of life ever- 
lasting ! 

what power of love did enkindle Thy Heart, 
when about to pass from this world to the Father, 
Thou didst institute this most wonderful, this most 
delightful means, of abiding with us, and of abid- 
ing in such a manner ! 

prodigy of love ! divine institution ! wherein 
Thou Thyself, most benign Jesus, art at once the 
banquet and the guest, the offering and the offerer, 
the joy of Angels, and of men ! 

7. Thanks to Thee, Lord Jesus, eternal thanks 
to Thee, for the unutterable goodness of Thy Heart, 
whereby Thou didst bestow upon us this incom- 
parable blessing. 

Would that I were able to return Thee suitable 
thanks for so great a gift ! Come, ye Angels and 
Saints of God ; come ye, all peoples and tribes : 
give ye thanks with me, to the Lord : let us praise, 
and exceedingly magnify Him, for this the love 
of His Heart. 

Let us sing a new canticle to the Lord ; for that, 
abiding with us after a new manner, He pours 
forth upon us from His Heart, blessings ever new. 

Let us joyfully sing to God, our Saviour: let us 
fall down before Him, let us weep for joy and grati- 
tude in His presence. 

8. Jesus, infinite love ! who through love didst 
come into this world, and remainest here through 
love ; nay more, through love art become wholly 



574 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



mine : to Thee, in return, I give and deliver my 
heart, all my affections, my whole self : grant, I 
beseech Thee, that, by love, I may be Thine for 
evermore, that whatsoever I am and possess, may 
be at the disposal of Thy love and glory. 

Take away from me all obstacles to Thy love; 
extinguish in me every ill-ordered affection, that 
naught may affect, naught may move me, except 
what concerns Thyself, or Thy interests. 

Thou, delight of my heart, Thou, bliss of 
my soul ! do Thou live and reign in me : be Thou 
henceforth the first and last object of my thoughts 
and affections : let me be ever occupied with Thee, 
or for Thee, who art all to me. 



CHAPTER II. 

OF THE MARVELOUS INSTITUTION OF THE MOST 
BLESSED SACRAMENT OF THE EUCHARIST. 

1. The voice of Jesus. — I am the living Bread, 
that came down from heaven. He that comes to 
Me shall not hunger, for the Bread which I shall 
give him, is My Flesh for the life of the world. 

When I had said these things, My Child, the 
Jews disputed among themselves, saying : How can 
this man give us His Flesh to eat? 



CHAPTER II. 



575 



And, in reply to them, I declared positively : 
Verily, verily, I say to you, unless ye eat the 
Flesh of the Son of man, and drink His Blood, ye 
shall not have life in you. 

For My Flesh is meat indeed, and My Blood is 
drink indeed. 

2. Before the festival day of the Passover, know- 
ing that My hour had come, that I should pass out 
of this world to the Father, having loved My own 
who were in the world, I loved them unto the end. 

It being now evening, I sat down to the last 
Supper, and the twelve Disciples with Me : to 
them, as they were seated around, I said : With 
desire, I have desired to eat this Passover with 
you. 

And whilst they were at Supper, I took bread, 
and blessed, and broke, and gave it to My Disciples, 
saying : Take ye and eat ; this is My Body. 

And taking the chalice, I gave thanks, and 
gave to them, saying : Drink ye all of this; this is 
My Blood. 

Do this for a commemoration of Me. 

3. The voice of the Disciple. — These, then, are 
Thy words, Lord God, truth eternal, whereby Thou 
didst solemnly promise beforehand, that Thou 
wouldst give Thyself to us as the Bread of Life : 
these are the deeds, whereby Thou didst after- 
wards truly fulfill, what Thou hadst promised. 

Thy Church, taught by these words and deeds, 
oven before they had been recorded, enjoyed this, 



57G 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



Thy divine gift ; and was doing this, as Thou hadst 
enjoined, for a commemoration of Thee. 

By these words, Thou didst overthrow and 
thwart the foreseen difficulties of infidels, and the 
objections of heretics, and the temptations of 
demons. 

For, by them, Thou taughtest, that whatsoever 
Thou, the infallible truth, utterest, must be be- 
lieved, even if we do not understand, how these 
things can be. 

And through the holy Church, Thy true Spouse, 
we know the things Thou didst utter ; but in what 
manner the mysteries which Thou didst proclaim 
by words, are inwardly constituted, or realized, 
that we do not comprehend, since our limited 
reason cannot reach those things which transcend 
all the bounds of reason. 

If we do not understand the things which are 
below ourselves, how shall we understand those 
which are above us ? 

That a seed sown in the ground, after it has de- 
cayed, grows up into a new stalk, and produces 
much fruit, we believe, because we perceive it out- 
wardly ; but how these things happen intrinsically, 
although they belong to the natural order, we are 
unable to penetrate. 

Should he not deservedly be regarded as un- 
sound in mind, who, whilst, by means of the senses, 
he perceives that there are mysteries of nature, 



CHAPTER II. 



577 



would not be willing to admit them, because he 
does not comprehend how they do exist? 

Now, even by means of the senses, we perceive, 
that there are mysteries of religion revealed by 
Thee ; because faith comes by hearing : and, 
moreover, by reason itself, we see, that those mys- 
teries are true j because it is evident to reason, 
that it is impossible, that Thou, the essential truth, 
shouldst utter what is false. 

The submission, therefore, of all them that faith- 
fully believe in Thee, is reasonable. But they that 
refuse to believe Thee, thinking themselves wise, 
have become fools, and altogether unreasonable. 

And it proceeds from a secret pride, instigated 
by the cunning of the devil, that they are unwill- 
ing to subject to Thee, its Author, the noblest 
gift, their reason ; and to honor Thee, by the sub- 
mission of the same. 

But all they, that at any time have been humble 
children of the Church, — how greatly soever they 
were distinguished for their genius, — have brought 
their intellect under subjection, to obey Thee by 
faith. 

By this, Thou showest, that Thou art the Lord 
of all, good towards all, no respecter of persons : and 
that from all, from the learned, as well as from 
the unlearned, Thou desirest the obedience of a 
subdued intellect, and a submissive will. 

4. Lord Grod, my Creator and Redeemer, I pros- 
trate myself before Thee, and submit my reason 
49 



578 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



wholly to Thee : ay, my whole intellect and will, 
my body, and all my senses, in obedience to faith, 
for Thy glory. 

But it is also my glory and advantage, that I 
may return to Thee, their beginning and end, all 
the gifts of soul and body, which I have received 
from Thee ; and that, by means of whatsoever I 
have received, in the order of nature, I may freely 
co-operate with Thy grace for the supernatural 
order, and, consequently, for my own everlasting 
honor, my never-ending bliss. 

Reason and faith are both thy gifts, Lord : the 
former a natural, the latter a supernatural gift : 
both ever assist each other, are never contrary : 
both given for truth, each one in its own order. 

If I believe, because my natural reason moves me 
thereto, my faith is a natural one, — neither super- 
natural nor saving. If I believe, because a super- 
natural motive impels me, my faith is supernatural 
and salutary. 

Blessed are they who have not seen and have be- 
lieved. And, certainly, how can the senses perceive 
what does not fall under the senses ? or, how can 
reason comprehend what does not lie within the 
grasp of reason ? Or, how can the cold utterance 
of man explain that, which the exceeding love of 
Thy Heart has effected ? 

5. In the spirit, therefore, of Thy Church, I do 
firmly believe that Thou, Lord Jesus Christ, 
true God and man, art truly and substantially con' 



CHAPTER II. 



579 



tained in the most Blessed Sacrament, under tire 
appearance of things visible, bread and wine. 

I do firmly believe, that Thou art wholly and 
entirely present under each species, and under 
every part of each species, if they be sepa- 
rated. 

I do firmly believe, that Thou, there present in 
Thy glorified state, art the same, whom, at Thy 
entrance into the world, the Angels adored, whom 
Mary and Joseph, the Shepherds and the Magi, 
worshiped under the form of a Child, who, meek 
and humble of Heart, didst go about doing good ; 
who, having died for us, didst rise again ; who, 
having gone up into heaven, art seated in glory at 
the right of God the Father. 

I do not, as the Jews, ask for signs, nor search 
into the manner ; I do not desire, like the unbe- 
lievers, to understand reasons intrinsically conceal- 
ed ; I do not require, like heretics, that my indi- 
vidual judgment be gratified : for me the testimony 
of Thy infallible Spouse, the holy Church, which 
is the ground of the truth, is sufficient. 

I reject whatsoever is opposed to her doctrine : 
this is my security, my faith. 

6. Lord God of infinite Majesty, Thou the 
Saint of the Saints ! who art so marvelously and so 
lovingly hidden in this mystery, Thee I adore, Thee 
I worship devotedly. 

Humbly prostrate, with body and soul, in Thy 
presence, T profess before heaven and earth, that 



580 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



Thou art my God and my Saviour ; to Thee do I 
pay the supreme worship, due to Thy Majesty. 

I offer to Thee also the adorations, honors, and 
homage, which the Angels, and the Saints, and Thy 
whole Church pay to Thee. 

that all men would acknowledge Thee, would 
adore Thee, would show Thee homage and rev- 
erence ! 

But, since so many fail in their duty, I, Lord, 
uniting myself with Thy Saints and Angels, and 
all faithful souls, do adore and venerate Thee, in 
their stead : and I desire, in this manner, to make 
amends for the negligence of all unfaithful souls. 

7. Jesus ! whatsoever I may be able to do for 
Thee, is as nothing in comparison of what I owe 
to Thee. 

In this most delightful Sacrament, by the pure 
love of Thy Heart, Thou hast given me whatever 
Thou possessest, Thy Body and Soul, Thy Human- 
ity and Divinity, with all their treasures. I owe, 
therefore, to Thee, as much as Thou art worth, 
Thou who art infinite. 

1 give to Thee, in return, my body and soul, 
whatsoever I have, whatsoever I am : but behold ! 
after I have given all this, my debt remains in- 
finite. 

It is good for me, Lord Jesus, that I am thus 
indebted to Thee, that I may be moved and im- 
pelled to love without bounds the infinite goodness 
of Thy Heart. 



CHAPTER III. 



581 



Mindful of Thy pure and boundless love, Jesus, 
I love Thee, in return, with my whole heart, and I 
long to be able to satisfy Thee by an unlimited 
love. 

8. Help me, most loving Jesus, that T may 
love Thee with that affection, that tenderness, that 
reverence, which love alone can inspire. 

Grant that, henceforth, I may live by pure love 
for Thee, who by infinite love livest for Me in the 
most holy Tabernacle. 

By Thy most Sacred Heart, thus made a captive, 
thus detained by love, I beg and implore Thee, so 
bind my heart to Thine, that it may be a captive 
of Thy love, and be never dissevered nor separated 
therefrom. 



CHAPTER III. 

WITH HOW LIVELY A FAITH THE CHURCH HAS, 
ALWAYS AND EVERYWHERE, MANIFESTED HER 
DEVOTION TO THE MOST BLESSED SACRAMENT. 

1. The voice of Jesus. — My Child, the Church 
exults at this most excellent favor of My Heart, 
and venerates this supreme miracle of My love with 
every demonstration of devotedness. 

Enraptured at the excess of the goodness of My 
Heart, she melts with love for Me, she rejoices se- 



• 



582 



THE FOURTH BOOK, 



curely in the possession of My most delightful 
.presence, and continues to rejoice, whilst genera- 
tions pass by, whilst the face of the earth is changed, 
and ages speed away. 

Behold ! in every age of the past, from the East 
and the West, from the North and the South, the 
children of the Church have arisen, and have called 
their Mother blessed, on account of so great a love 
of My Heart, which abides with her all days even 
to the consummation of the world. 

In this presence, uninterrupted, and full of mu- 
tual love, I celebrate the great Supper, the divine 
festival of My spiritual nuptials, with My immacu- 
late Spouse, the holy Church. 

To these the faithful are invited and called, be 
they poor, and weak, and blind, and lame, that the 
house may be filled with guests, and that their joy 
may be full. 

2. The voice of the Disciple. — Hear ye this. O 
mortals, and come ye clothed with the nuptial gar- 
ment. Here taste ye, and see how sweet is the 
Lord. 

To this sacred banquet, at which the Angels 
minister, all the truly faithful do, always and every- 
where, come adorned with this festive garment, 
that, being pleasing to the Lord, they may, whilst 
they are nourished and refreshed, rejoice with 
Him. 

But they that are without this garment, being 
defiled, do rightly " abstain," because they deserv- 



CHAPTER III. 



583 



ediy rear, " lest they eat and drink judgment to 
themselves ; " or " because they do not confess that 
the Eucharist \3 the Body of our Saviour, Jesus 
Christ, which sufibred for our sins, and which the 
Father raised to life." (I Cor. 11, St. Ignat. 
Mart., Cent. I.) 

But we " have b»eu taxtgbt that the Eucharist is 
the Body and Blood of Je-cU^ Christ, who became 
incarnate." (St. Justin, Mart ,'Ceat. II.) 

How great a gift is, therefore, Kstcwed not only 
upon our soul, " but also upon ouv ftotJy, which is 
nourished with the Body and BlooO- -v the Lord ! " 
(St. Iren., Cent. II.) 

Hence, how great a reverence is re^Vu? id ! " Ye 
know, ye who are accustomed to assist i\t Lhe divine 
mysteries, how, when ye receive the Body of the 
Lord, ye watch with all care and revemise, that 
nothing, be it .ever so little, fall down, that naught 
of the consecrated gift slip off: for ye believe your- 
selves guilty, if, through carelessness, anything do 
fall. So great is the precaution ye use, and de- 
servedly so." (Origen, Cent. III.) 

No sooner had the Church emerged from the 
persecution of three hundred years, than, rejoicing 
and crowned with laurels, she, in her first general 
Council, — her sons having been assembled from 
every part of the world, — regulated the manner in 
which the divine Sacrament should be dispensed 
throughout the world, in order that so sacred a 



584 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



mystery, might everywhere he handled with holy 
awe. 

She does not hring forward new things, hut, faith- 
ful guardian of her deposit, she recalls and incul- 
cates the ancient practices. " Neither the Rule," 
says this watchful Mother, " nor custom has handed 
it down, that they, who have not the power of offer- 
ing the Sacrifice, should present the Body of Christ 
to them that offer the same. Let them receive ac- 
cording to their rank the Holy Communion from the 
Bishop or the priest, after the clergy." (1st Nic. 
Counc, Cent. IV.) 

Behold the most Holy Communion ! behold the 
Sacrament of the Lord ! " For under the appear^ 
ance of bread, He gives us His Body, under the ap- 
pearance of wine He gives us His Blood, that, when 
you have received the same, you taste the Body and 
Blood of Christ, having become partakers of His 
Body and Blood : for thus we become Cliristifcri, 
that is, bearing Christ in our bodies : thus, according 
to the blessed Peter, we are made partakers of the 
divine nature." (S. Cyril of Jerus., Cent. IV.) 

" Bread, indeed, it is before the sacramental 
words : but when the Consecration has been pro- 
nounced thereon, of bread it becomes the Body of 
Christ. By which words then, and by whose lan- 
guage is the Consecration made ? By the words 
of Christ the Lord. Therefore, the Word of Christ 
effects this Sacrament. Which Word of Christ? 
The one, whereby all things were made. The Lord 



CHAPTER III. 



585 



commanded, and the heavens were made : the Lord 
commanded, and the earth was made : the Lord 
commanded, and every creature was produced. You 
see, then, how effective is the word of Christ. If, 
then, there is so great a power in the word of the 
Lord Jesus, that things, which were not, began to 
exist, how much the more effective is it to change 
into another, that which did already exist ? He 
spoke, and it was done." (S. Ambros.. Cent. IV.) 

" Sacrament of godliness ! sign of unity ! 
bond of charity ! He that desires to live has 
where he may live, whereby he may live. Let him 
become incorporate that he may receive life. Let 
him not be a decayed member, which deserves to 
be cut off • let him not be a misshapen one, of which 
he is ashamed. Let him be fair, fit, sound : let 
him cleave to the body : let him live of God for 
God." (S. August., Cent. V.) 

" As many of us, therefore, as become partakers 
of this Body, let us reflect that we taste Him, who 
is seated above, who is adored by the Angels. That 
which the Angels dare not freely gaze upon, by 
reason of the dazzling splendor, by that we are here 
nourished, to that we are united, with that we be- 
came one body. In order, therefore, that we may 
not only become this by charity, let us also in very 
deed be blended with that body : for this is effected 
by the food which He has granted to us. Let us, then, 
go away from that table, like lions breathing fire, 



586 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



having become an object of dread to the devil." 

(S. Chrysost,, Cent. V.) 

" How goodly is that Bread, which nourishes the 
Angels by its outward appearance, that they may 
be sated therewith in the land of bliss; and us by 
faith, that we may not faint on the way. That 
man might eat the Bread of Angels, the Creator of 
Angels became man, nourishing both, and remain- 
ing whole and entire." (St. Fulgent., Cent. VI.) 

4. " They, however, that live wickedly, and do 
not cease to communicate, thinking, that, by such 
a Communion, they are cleansed, let them learn, 
that they make no progress toward a cleansing, but 
toward condemnation. For the Body of Christ is 
the food of Saints." (St. Isid. of Seville, Cent. 
VII.) 

Prepare ye, therefore, your heart. 11 For the 
Eucharist is a Communion, whereby we have fel- 
lowship with Christ, and receive His Humanity 
and Divinity, and unite ourselves between us." 
(St. John Damasc, Cent, VIII.) 

''Let them hear, then, who wish to weaken this 
word of the Body, as if it were not the true Body 
of Christ, which is now celebrated in the Sacrament 
by the Church, nor His real Blood. They seem 
desirous to approve or invent something new, as if 
it were merely a certain virtue of Christ's Body or 
Blood, so that the Lord is made to speak falsely, 
when Truth itself says : This is My Body. He did 
not then say, when He broke and gave the bread : 



CHAPTER III. 



587 



This is, or in this mystery is a certain virtue or 
figure of My Body, but He said plainly : This is My 
Body : and, therefore, it is what He said, not that 
which any one may imagine. No one has as yet 
openly gainsaid that, which the whole world believes 
and confesses." (St. Paschas., Ab., Cent. IX.) 

5. "In churches, the Eucharist is always acces- 
sible : which custom the ancient churches have 
preserved." (Luitprand., Cent. X.) 

Wherefore, " Christ cannot be accused of forget- 
fulness : Christ does not enjoin things contrary to 
His commands. He is the Bread that came down 
from heaven, which is daily brought to the table 
of the Church, as a heavenly food, which is broken 
for the forgiveness of sins, which feeds and nour- 
ishes unto life everlasting them that eat the same." 
(St. Peter Damian., Cent. XI.) 

" Neither need we pretend that to this our age 
is denied, either that apparition, which was vouch- 
safed to the Fathers of the ancient Covenant ; or 
that presence of His Body, which was exhibited to 
the Apostles. Since, to them that consider faith- 
fully, neither the one nor the other can be wanting. 
Surely, it cannot in the least be doubted that, in 
the Sacrament, we have even now present with us 
the true substance of His Body. We have revela- 
tions, but in spirit and in power, so that it is proved 
that naught is wanting in any kind of grace." (St. 
Bern., Cent. XII.) 

6. " The delighfulness of this Sacrament none 



588 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



can adequately express, whereby spiritual sweetness 
is tasted in its very source : and the remembrance 
of that most excellent charity which He manifested 
in His Passion, is recalled to mind. Wherefore, 
that the immensity of this love might be the more 
intimately imprinted in the hearts of the faithful, 
at the last Supper, when, after He had celebrated 
the Passover with His Disciples, He was about to 
pass from this world to the Father, He instituted 
this Sacrament, as an everlasting memorial of His 
Passion, the fulfillment of the ancient figures, the 
greatest of the miracles wrought by Him, and the 
exceeding comfort of those that were saddened by 
His absence." (St. Thorn. Aq., Cent, XIII.) 

" A spiritual and interior person finds in the 
partaking of the Body of Christ Jesus twelve ex- 
cellent fruits : Fortitude, to forsake easily things 
earthly and perishable: Progress, in the things 
relating to salvation : Elevation of the soul above 
whatever is outside of Grod : Strength to practice 
good : Enlightenment of the understanding more 
perfectly to know God, and all things which are 
seen in the mirror of eternity : Fervor of love for 
G-od : Fulfillment of those things, which beget hap- 
piness : a Treasure of wealth : a constant Cheer- 
fulness of spirit : a certain secure Firmness ; per- 
fect Peace : Union of the soul with God." (Thauler, 
Cent. XIV.) 

" precious, magnificent, saving banquet, replete, 
with every delight ! By this, sins are cleansed 



CHAPTER III. 



589 



away, virtues increased, the mind is enriched with 
the abundance of all graces." (St. Antonin., Cent. 
XV.) 

7. Wherefore, delivering her doctrine concern- 
ing this august and divine Sacrament — which the 
Catholic Church, instructed by Jesus Christ our 
Lord Himself, and by His Apostles, and taught by 
the Holy Spirit, who always inspires her with every 
truth, — has ever retained and will preserve to the 
end of the world, — she teaches, and openly and 
simply professes that, in the bountiful Sacrament of 
the Eucharist, after the Consecration of the bread 
and wine, our Lord Jesus Christ, true God and 
man, is truly, really, and substantially contained 
under the appearance of those visible elements. 

She warns, exhorts, prays and entreats, through 
the tender mercy of our Cod, that all and each one 
of those that bear the name of Christian, do meet 
and agree, in this sign of unity, this bond of char- 
ity, this symbol of concord, — mindful of so great a 
Majesty, and so eminent a love of Jesus Christ our 
Lord, who, as the price of our salvation, laid down 
His beloved life, and gave us His Flesh to eat : — 
that they do believe and revere these sacred mys- 
teries of His Body and Blood, with constancy and 
firmness of faith, with devotedness, and piety and 
worship of spirit, so that they may be enabled fre- 
quently to receive this supersubstantial Bread, and 
that this may truly be to them everlasting life and 
health of the soul. 




590 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



That, being invigorated by the strength thereof, 
they may be enabled, from the journey of this 
weary pilgrimage, to come to the heavenly country, 
there to eat unvailed the same Bread of Angels, that 
now they eat hidden beneath the sacramental vails. 
(Council of Trent, Sess. 13, Cent. XVI.) 

8. Lord God ! how did the faithful, through 
all ages, burn to honor Thee in this Sacrament of 
Thy love ! with what piety did they strive here to 
exhibit for Thee the utmost reverence ! How they 
did exert themselves to show due gratefulness to 
Thy Heart, and to compensate by love for the love 
of Thy Heart ! 

And, therefore, too, should we be blamed, we, 
the heirs of the faith once delivered to the Saints, 
we, the children of the Saints, were we to grow 
lukewarm in this devotion of devotions, in this 
chief point of our Religion ; whilst so long a suc- 
cession of ages calls forth our lively faith, when so 
great a multitude of the faithful of all times and 
places throughout the world, stimulate us by their 
example; and since so great a goodness of Thy 
Heart excites our hearts. 

Enliven our faith, most loving Jesus, and, when 
enlivened, increase it unceasingly. Strengthen our 
hope and confidence. Enkindle and inflame our 
love. 

Grant, Lord, that we may ever be enabled to 
worship in the spirit of faith, to venerate devotedly 



CHAPTER IV. 



591 



this most sacred and most sweet Mystery, and to 
partake worthily thereof. 



CHAPTER IV. 

THAT THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS, IN THE 
SACRAMENT OF HIS LOVE, IS PERFECTLY BLISS- 
FUL. 

1. The voice of Jesus. — That for which My Heart 
longed, that which It sought through every excess 
of love, this It now enjoys contented in the holy 
Sacrament of the Eucharist. 

Behold ! now not only the justice of My heav- 
enly Father, but also the love of My Heart is 
satisfied. Herein rejoices and exults My Heart, 
that nothing is now wanting to Its wished-for bliss. 

Rejoice with Me, My Child ; because here is the 
joy, the delight, the blessedness of My Heart. 

Here is the new heaven, wrought and adorned 
by skill divine, where My Heart is well-pleased 
and blissful all days. 

Yet behold! Child, My Heart does not here en- 
joy those things, wherein the world by its vain 
struggles seeks for happiness. It possesses not the 
display of earthly wealth, nor the pleasures of the 
senses, nor those objects which flatter the passions. 

All these I willingly do without: nay, frequently 



592 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



even I am wont to be surrounded with what the 
world shuns and abhors. Yet My Heart is com- 
pletely contented and blissful. 

2. Why should not My Heart be happy here, 
since in this Paradise of supernatural delights It 
overflows with a torrent of divine joys, and supreme 
sweetness? 

I am perfectly happy in Heart by possessing 
those things, which as the Son I have by inherit- 
ance from the Father, and which, as the Saviour of 
the world, I have acquired at the price of My life. 

But thou, My Child, wherein dost thou seek thy 
felicity? is it also in the divine union, in supernal 
communing, in the sweet consolation of the divine 
good pleasure ? 

Dost thou not sometimes lose the joy or even the 
peace of thy heart, because thou hast not that which 
gratifies nature ? Art thou also, according to the 
divine Will, gladly deprived thereof? 

Look thou attentively, Child, and be persuaded, 
that thy heart, like Mine, cannot be made happy 
by the love and enjoyment of things sensible, of 
objects created, but of those which are supernatural 
and divine. 

3. Here, moreover, is My Heart blissful, by 
reason of the happiness which the faithful draw 
from this fountain of blessings, whereof they par- 
take with Me. 

As a good father experiences happiness, when he 



CilAi'TJili IV.' 



593 



finds himself among his beloved children; so do I 
in the midst of My people. 

Here the faithful, as children most dear to My 
Heart, are trained and formed by Me ; they ban- 
quet, they entertain themselves with Me : they drink 
in the generosity and fortitude of My Heart : they 
are incited to emulate My virtues : yea, they learn 
to glorify and delight in the same things with Me. 

For this is My Heart glad indeed, as It deems 
Itself happy whensoever It has made others happy. 

Eejoice with Me, My Child, seeing that thy hap- 
piness is not only an object of care, but also of joy 
to My Heart. 

4. if thou knewest, how great a bliss My 
Heart does, over and above, enjoy here, on account 
of the tenderness, the devotedness of the love of so 
many souls, that, in every state and condition of 
life, are wholly consecrated to Me, and live, with 
every affection of their heart, for Me alone ! 

Here, My Child, here is Benjamin with Me in 
ecstasy of mind. Here are pure souls enraptured 
with heavenly delights, wherewith the Angels them- 
selves are inebriated. 

Here those generous souls, although weak by 
nature, form great and noble designs for Me, and, 
by affection and deed, make compensation for the 
sacrifices of My love, consecrate themselves wholly 
to My interests. 

And should not I be delighted with a love so great, 
bo tender, so chaste ? Should I not pour forth My 
50 



594 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



whole Heart upon them ? shall I suffer Myself to 
be overcome by tenderness and generosity of love ? 

My delight is to be with the children of men : 
the hight of My delight to enjoy the love of pure 
souls, and, in return, to make them taste the sweets 
of My love. 

5. Here, therefore, is My Heart in various ways, 
and perfectly replenished with bliss ; yet, if there 
be any who are ungrateful or degenerate, and who 
are insensible to My love, or act unjustly towards 
My Heart, they only can make themselves wretched, 
but cannot render Me unhappy. 

For, since I am risen to a life of glory, I die no 
more ; neither am I affected by sorrow. My joy, 
My beatitude, is perfect and complete : none shall 
take it away from My Heart, none shall lessen the 
same. 

As My Heart is personally united to the Divinity, 
It is blissful with the beatitude of the very Di- 
vinity. 

And, therefore, in order that My Heart may be 
perfectly blissful, It needs no external means ; for, 
whether these be present or absent, It will ever be 
most blessed. 

No less blissful in the hut with the dying poor, 
than in the palace of the nobleman or king; as 
blissful in the Tabernacle of the altar, as upon the 
throne in heaven. 

For the reason of My beatitude is within ; whence 



CHAPTER IV. 



595 



it is ever the very same in every place, at all times, 
under all circumstances. 

This is the inner recess, where I have placed My 
abode, where I dwell in light inaccessible, where I 
enjoy a full and unchangeable beatitude. 

6. The Angels that throng around Me are filled 
with wonder, and prostrate they worship, and exult- 
ing they exclaim : Let us be glad, and give glory to 
our God ! 

And much more are they rejoiced at My bliss 
than at their own ; for, rapt in Me, and forgetful 
of themselves, in their exceeding love for Me, they 
exult with Me amid joys unutterable. 

In like manner, do many faithful souls, — although 
still in the body they experience the miseries of this 
mortal life, — rejoice exceedingly, because I am 
what I am : and they derive the highest happiness 
from this, that they know that I am supremely 
blessed. 

And thou also, My Child, if thou lovest Me 
truly, wilt surely rejoice for that I am blissful, not 
only in the enjoyment of the highest glory at the 
right of Glod the Father, but also in this Sacrament 
of the love of My Heart. 

7. The voice of the Disciple. — Thou art My wit- 
ness, most sweet Jesus, and knowest that, through 
love for Thee, I rejoice at Thy perfect beatitude 
in the most delightful Sacrament of Thy Heart. 

Yea, Lord, my heart and my whole soul rejoice 



596 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



in Thee, because Thy Heart is blessed, and is con- 
firmed in blissfulness forever and ever. 

how truly must the highest joy overwhelm me, 
because, Thy Passion being now over, Thy glory 
and bliss are full, and placed beyond every change! 

It is true, that, since I still have to endure the 
hardships of my banishment, the time has not yet 
come to rejoice at my own glory and bliss everlast- 
ing : but, meanwhile, it is enough for me that Thou, 
my God, my Saviour and Father, rejoicest to the 
utmost fullness, in glory and beatitude supreme. 

This is for me a reason to rejoice, and to rejoice 
with my whole heart, even while I abide and weep 
in my captivity, and call to mind my everlasting 
inheritance in heaven, which, as Grod, Thou hast 
prepared for me, which, when lost, as Saviour, Thou 
hast repurchased for me, which, as Father, Thou 
bequeathest to me. 

And because it is meet and just, that I do love 
Thee more than myself, and whatsoever is my own ; 
so, in like manner, it is right and wholesome, that 
I do rejoice more at Thy beatitude, than at my own 
happiness, either present or future. 

And in reality, Lord Jesus, I do rejoice more 
intensely on account of Thy glory and blessedness / 
than on account of any honor or exaltation of my 
own, — on account of any joy or consolation what- 
ever. 

But I also rejoice, with all my heart, at the very 
joy wherewith Thy Heart is replenished by the 



CHAPTER IV. 



597 



happiness, the devotedness, the love of so many 
souls, throughout the earth, consecrated to Thee. 

8. Grant, most kind Jesus, that I too may be 
of the number of those, who in return love Thee, 
their pure and generous Lover, with so great a 
purity and generosity. 

I ask not for the singular and marvelous favors 
granted to them so frequently and so abundant^ : 
Thee, my Jesus, Thyself do I ask, as a reward 
of my labors and sorrows, if I have endured any 
for Thy sake, and as my sole happiness in all 
things. 

Not the riches or the pleasures of this world, not 
the things which flatter nature, not even merely 
sensible consolations, can render me happy. My 
bliss is, most sweet Jesus, to repose on Thy 
Heart, to enjoy Thee. 

Hard, indeed, is all rest which does not recline 
on Thy Heart : Vain are all things which are not 
referred to Thee : meaningless, whatsoever is not 
in harmony with the sentiments of Thy Heart : 
tasteless, whatsoever is not seasoned with the unc- 
tion of Thy love. 

Grant me only, that, by divine union, I may pos- 
sess Thee, love Thee as purely, as generously as I 
am able ; and I willingly abandon all the rest to 
others : by this gift alone I shall be most blissful 
with Thee. 



598 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



CHAPTER V. 

THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS IS THE HEART 
OF HIS HOLY CHURCH. 

1. The voice of Jesus. — My Heart, Child, which 
lives in the Sacrament, is the heart of My Church, 
which is My mystical Body. 

This My Body, is a living one, endowed with a 
soul. That soul is the principle of the supernatu- 
ral life, which the Body lives. 

This principle of life proceeds from My divine 
Heart : for out of My Heart the Church was made ; — 
which is evidently to be understood, not of the 
members, not of the Body, but of the soul. 

Many members, indeed, but one Body, which, by 
the divine principle, My Heart animates, and fos- 
ters, that My life may be made manifest in the 
Body. 

The Church, therefore, consisting of a Body, 
which is its human element, and a soul, which is 
the divine element, subsists as a moral individual- 
ity in the oneness of person, and in the participa- 
tion of the human and divine nature. 

As the vine, by its influence, communicates the 
life-giving sap to the branches when properly dis- 
posed, so do I, to the properly-disposed members 
of the Church, communicate the divine principle of 
Life. 



CHAPTER V. 



599 



And as the vine and the branches are one, so am 
I and the Church, in a manner, one. 

Truly, then, am I and the Church intimately 
united, not only by a moral, but also by a substantial 
union ; not by a sensible, but a spiritual union ; 
not by an hypostatic, but nevertheless by a per- 
sonal union, in this sense, that I am so united to 
the Church, that she constitutes with Me one moral 
personality, receiving from Me her principal part, 
her soul, the divine principle of supernatural Life, 
and having, at the same time, members, each of 
them personalities, in another respect, which sub- 
sist by and for themselves, truly distinct and merely 
human personalities. 

2. Thus united to Me, thus animated by a divine 
principle, the Church lives, in some manner, a di- 
vine Life, a supernatural Life, a Life of merits 
worthy of everlasting beatitude. 

Nay more, it is from the same source that man 
is enabled to begin to be a member of the Church, 
when, in Baptism, he is regenerated by the water 
and the Spirit of My Heart, as the Scripture says : 
We were all baptized into one body, whether Jews 
or Gentiles, whether bondmen or free. 

For this did the water flow from My opened Side, 
the symbol of Baptism, which is the laver of regen- 
eration. 

By the same principle, likewise, are the members 
of the Church intimately uuited. The faithful 
are, indeed, gently and happily bound together 



600 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



among themselves by many links ; but in the Sa 
crament of the love of My Heart, they become, as 
it were, incorporated with Me and endowed with 
My Spirit, and thus they become incomparably 
more closely, more sweetly, and more perfectly 
united together. 

And this is the mystery of love, whereof the 
Apostle speaks, when he says : Although many, 
we are one body, who partake of one Bread. One 
body and one spirit. 

What wonder, then, if the faithful should pos- 
sess but one heart, My Heart, of whose fullness all 
receive the Spirit of Life ? 

For, as in the natural body the blood, with its 
life-giving power, starts from the heart, and dif- 
fuses itself through all, even the most remote and 
the least, parts which present no obstruction ; so the 
principle of the supernatural Life proceeds from 
My Heart, and is imparted to all, and every one of 
the members of My mystical Body, that present no 
obstacle. 

3. By this divine power not only does the Church 
live, but at the same time that her members are in- 
timately united, by this she is nourished, endowed 
with vigor, and preserved in the perpetual bloom 
of youth. 

Yea, if any member is weak, or even, by the 
abuser of his free-will, has hindered or cast aside My 
life-giving influence and communication, so as to 
become supernaturally dead ; so long as he cleaves 



CHAPTER V. 



601 



to the Body of the Church, he can recover life it- 
self and supernatural health from My Heart, if, by 
the Sacrament of Penance, he cleanses himself in 
the bath of the life-restoring and purifying Blood 
of My Heart, and thus removes the obstacle or 
hindrance. 

But the living members of the Church, as they 
are animated by My Spirit, as they are constantly 
nourished by the influence of My Heart, as, lastly, 
they abide in Me and I in them, bring forth much 
fruit, true and permanent fruit, fruit of life ever- 
lasting. 

All false religions and sects, — as they neither do 
nor can receive Life from My divine Heart, — since 
they are altogether cut off from My mystical 
Body, — are soulless beings, destitute of the princi- 
ple of the supernatural Life ; and, therefore, they 
cannot bear genuine and saving fruit. For, as the 
branch of the vine cannot bear fruit of itself, un- 
less it abide in the vine, so neither can men, unless 
they abide in Me. 

Do not then wonder, if the sects and false reli- 
gions, like branches lopped off, wither, decay, and 
finally perish altogether. 

4. If these things, whereby the Church thus 
lives, flourishes, and brings forth fruit, are marvel- 
ous and sweet, still more wonderful and sweeter far 
are those other favors, which I impart to her, and 
whereby she has a resemblance to Myself. 
51 



602 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



For, whatsoever I have by nature, the Church, 
according to her capacity, has of Me by grace. 

And, since I, who am the Holy One, animate the 
Church with the divine principle of Life, and have 
her so united to Me, that we are, as it were, one, 
she is necessarily holy, not only outwardly, by her 
origin, by her end, and the means she employs to 
attain to eternal bliss, but also inwardly, by her 
very soul, wherein, properly speaking, holiness re- 
sides. 

By the perpetual union and influence of My 
Heart, I perfect her in holiness, that I may exhibit 
her as a Church, glorious, without blemish, or 
wrinkle, or aught of the kind. 

T cannot err : therefore neither can the Church. 
Should she err, I Myself should err : but I am the 
infallible truth, whence also she herself is infal- 
lible. 

The words which the Father gave Me, I gave to 
her : and I unfolded their meaning, that, under the 
guidance of My Holy Spirit, she might understand 
and keep them. 

The Church, which is My Body, dies not, be- 
cause I die no more ; but so she remains, until I 
come, in glory, at the end of the world. 

I Jesus yesterday, and to-day : the same also 
forever : and, therefore, My Heart, which vivifies 
and preserves the Church, nurses and fills her with 
vigor, sanctifies her by Its holiness, and consolid- 
ates her by Its truth ; endows her also with Its own 



CHAPTER V. 



603 



perpetual Life, and imparts to her a bright immor- 
tality. 

5. Learn hence, My Child, how worthy of thy 
veneration, how worthy of thy love is the Church, 
who is so intimately united to Me, and represents 
My Own Self so completely, that she may justly 
say : He that sees me, sees also Christ. 

Be glad, Child, rejoice with all thy heart, be- 
cause thou art a member of this My mystical Body, 
than which there is naught seen on earth, more 
beauteous, more noble, more marvelous. 

If thou lovest Me, love also My Church, for 
which I gave Myself up, and than which, of all 
the things that are made, in heaven and in earth, 
there is nothing dearer to My Heart. 

Above all, in the most Holy Sacrament of My 
love, thou wilt be more closely united in Me to the 
Church, and there wilt thou better learn of My 
Heart her spirit. 

Whosoever wishes to know the spirit of the 
Church, must learn the Spirit of My Heart ; be- 
cause the Spirit of both is one and the same. 

The Church must be considered in the same 
spirit wherewith she is animated : and her manner 
of acting must be viewed, not in a worldly sense, 
but in that spiritual sense by which she is moved 
when acting. 

! if all knew the sentiments of the Church — 
which far surpass the sentiments of the best of 
mothers, since hers are the very sentiments of My 



604 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



Heart; — how fondly would they love the Church ! 
how completely would they approve all her works ! 

Do thou pray, My Child, that all may know and 
love the Church, that they may be worthy mem- 
bers of this Body, animated with the Spirit of Life : 
members by whom I may be honored and glorified. 

Do thou pray, much and frequently, that all may 
be invigorated with the sentiments of My Heart, 
and increase throughout therein, until they all meet 
into a perfect Body, and be joined in fellowship 
with the Angels and Saints, who, in heaven, are 
confirmed in union with My Heart. 

6. Meanwhile, My Child, have a special care, 
that thou abide in Me, not by faith, hope, and 
charity alone, but also by means of the Sacrament, 
by a perfect union. 

This is the one, the necessary thing for thee, 
that thou be united with Me. From this union 
arise for thee life, and vigor, and perfection, and 
holiness. 

The more closely thou art united with Me, and 
the better disposed thou keepest thyself, the more 
copious streams of graces, and supernal blessings, 
thou wilt draw upon thyself from My Heart, at all 
times, indeed, but, chiefly, in Holy Communion. 

Hence thou wilt bear much fruit of holiness, 
whereby thou wilt show forth the divine power of 
My Heart, and promote Its true glory. 

7. The voice of the Disciple. — Lord, our Grod ! 
how wonderful, how lovely is Thy Heart ! Who 



CHAPTER V. 



605 



should not be astonished at the depth of the mys- 
teries of Its power ! who should not he moved by 
the boundless tokens of Its love ! 

The taking upon Thyself of our nature, was in- 
deed a great and marvelous work of Thy love ; but 
0, how much greater, how much more marvelous 
was the giving of Thyself in the Sacrament ! 

In the Incarnation Thou didst assume our hu- 
manity : but in the Communion Thou bountifully 
givest us Thy own Divinity, and grantest us Thy 
own Humanity. 

By assuming our nature, Thou didst come down 
to us, and live a mortal life ; but, by communica- 
ting Thyself to us in the Sacrament, Thou r&isest 
us up to Thyself, and impartest to us a divine 
Life. 

When Thou becamest man, Thou didst redeem 
and gather us together : by becoming the food of 
our life, Thou unitest us to Thyself, that we. may be 
perfected in Thee and through Thee. 

Lord ! how prodigious, how delightful is the 
love of Thy Heart for us, for whom Thou workest 
such mighty things ! 

Would that all might know and love these won- 
ders so stupendous, so deserving of love ! Would 
that I possessed the hearts of all, that I might con- 
secrate them to Thy love. 

8. Jesus, the life and delight of my soul ! how 
unutterable is the love, wherewith Thou didst love 
me ! 



606 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



Fov, how great a condescension of Thy love was 
it, that, by nature, Thou didst create me in Thy 
image ! But how incomparably greater was that 
love, whereby, through grace, Thou didst raise me 
to Thy likeness! What shall I say, what shall I 
think of that, whereby Thou didst elevate me to 
an intimate union with Thyself! Who am I, and 
who art Thou, that Thou dealest in this manner 
with me ! 

love incomprehensible ! O most sweet Jesus, 
lovely above all things lovely ! How shall I not 
die, if I love Thee not ! how shall I live, if I live 
not for Thee ! 

Lord, the principle, the support, the end of my 
life! grant, I beseech Thee, grant that I may live 
united with Thee, that I may live through Thee, 
that I may live for Thee, to the glory and joy of 
Thy Heart, whereby Thou erfectest such marvelous, 
such delightful things.* 

* The things whereof the author speaks in this Chapter 
are very useful and consoling. But, although there is nothing 
in them which cannot be understood, yet it may be of use to 
give some explanation, and to develop that which, in the 
matter here treated, may be asserted upon theological 
grounds. 

The Head of the mystical Body of Christ, or of the Church, 
is Christ; its members are the faithful. But between the 
Head and the members, as the author concisely says, there 
exists a union : 

1. Substantial, not simply moral, such as exists, for example, 
between the head and the citizens of a commonwealth. 

2. Spiritual, in this sense, that it is not a physical union, 



CHAPTER VI. 



607 



CHAPTER VI. 

THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS, UNITES THE 
CHURCH MILITANT ON EARTH, WITH THE CHURCH 
TRIUMPHANT IN HEAVEN. 

1. The voice of Jesus. — My Child, I am estab- 
lished Head over the whole Church, the glorious 
part whereof triumphs with Me in heaven. 

namely, effected by a cohesion or a mingling of the material 
parts or molecules, except during the time that the sacred 
species of the Eucharist continue in a person. But it is, on 
this account, no less a substantial union ; for the cohesion 
and mingling of material entities is in the end nothing but 
accident. It is in this union, of which we are speaking, that 
the Spirit of Christ informs the living members. 

3. Personal, in some manner. For this whole mystical Body 
forms one person. And Christ, as the Head, gives that which 
is the principal in this personality. He, indeed, is not the 
whole and sole person, since the person is effected by the 
whole subject, for which the members also are to be taken 
into account; but He is that, whence the members have 
spiritual life, and whereby they are informed and governed. 
This, however, is not an hypostatic union, which is also called 
personal. For, in the hypostatic union, the Person of the 
Word so assumed the human nature, that in this nature, in 
no respect any personality obtains, and that there is in every 
respect only one Person, that of the Word: but in the union 
of which we are speaking, every member is already a sub- 
ject or person ; not, indeed, in as much as he is a member of 
Christ's mystical Body, but in as much as this member can, 
in another respect, exist for himself, and can be the principle 
which, as the Schoolmen say, of actions. But the human na- 
ture in Christ is only the principle by which of actions, andean 



603 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



This part, this Church Triumphant, to which 
the rest will one day exultingly ascend, is the 
society of all the Angels and Saints, illustrious for 

be, in no respect, the principle tohich of the same : therefore, this 
union is hypostatic and personal. On the other hand, the 
members of Christ's mystical Body are, indeed, the principle 
by which of actions, for as much as they are considered as 
members of the mystical Body ; but they can exist and bo 
considered as so many principles which of actions, for as much 
as they are considered single or indiTidual subjects. Hence 
it is quite manifest, that the hypostatic union is greater, more 
intimate and more admirable than the one of which wo 
speak. 

We are, however, truly members of Christ, and we can be 
said to be : "Flesh of His flesh" (according to St, Paul), just 
as the soul, which is the principal in man, can say of the 
members of her body: This is- my member,- I inform such 
and such other member: whence it is truly her member. 
Whence also Christ calls us rightly Hi.s true members, His 
flesh, etc. 

That which principally constitutes or unites this mystical 
Body, according to some, is the Holy Eucharist. According to 
this, they deem, that these words of Christ are explained best 
and in the most obvious meaning : " Unless ye eat the Flesh of 
the Son of man ... ye shall not have life in you." And those 
others: "He that eats My Flesh . . . abides in Me and I in 
him." 

The life of which there is here treated, whereby Christ in- 
forms the members of His mystical Body, is not animal life, 
as is plain, but supernatural life, as the author says. 
Whence such members as are corrupted by mortal sin, aro 
indeed members of this mystical Body, but dried up and 
dead ; and, if they do not return to life, to be one day wholly 
cut off from the Body. (P. J. A. Cens.) 



CHAPTER VI. 



609 



victories, crowned with laurels everlasting, wholly 
and immutably devoted to My glory and love, by 
far the most pleasing and most dear to My Heart. 

What wonder, then, if My Heart was carried 
away with this glorious portion into the land of 
the living, into the kingdom of everduring bliss ? 
But behold ! at the same time, by a prodigy of 
love, It was retained in the Sacrament with the 
Church Militant. 

In this manner, therefore, It is present with both, 
and joining both by Itself and in Itself, It makes 
the two one. 

2. Both have in Me the same victim : the Tri- 
umphant, indeed, has the Lamb standing as if slain, 
a victim which is not now immolated, but, being 
immolated formerly, is adored: and the Church 
Militant possesses the same Lamb of God, that 
takes away the sins of the world, a continued 
Sacrifice, which is offered in every place — a clean 
Oblation. 

Both, likewise, use the same table : the one, in 
heaven, is filled without mystery with the Bread of 
Angels, for which, as they eat thereof, they are 
ever longing, and wherewith they are at the same 
time, ever satiated : the other, on earth, enjoys the 
same food, under the vail of mystery, in a manner 
adapted to her present condition. 

Lastly, both are refreshed at the same fountain : 
for the one that reigns above, is inebriated with 
perpetual delights, from the torrent of divine pleas- 



610 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



ure, springing up from My Heart into everlasting- 
life: the other, that struggles here below, (ir»u'£, 
with gladness, from the same gushing spring, the 
waters of grace, of consolation, and of blessedness. 

3. Making, in this manner, both parts one, My 
Heart brings it to pass, in the sacred Tabernacle, 
that there exists between them a continued and 
never-ceasing communication and fellowship. 

For, wherever I am in the most Holy Sacrament, 
the Angels are continually descending from heaven, 
to minister to Me, to adore, to love, to praise Me : 

And, astonished at the love that forces Me, so 
marvelously and so gently, to abide with men, they, 
as in heaven before the throne of My glory, so upon 
earth before the Sacrament of My love, with unceas- 
ing voice cry out: Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Om- 
nipotent ! all the earth is full of Thy glory. 

And when they depart, behold ! they mount up 
into heaven, having golden vials, full of odors, 
which are the prayers of the Saints, — of the faith- 
ful worshiping Me in spirit, with truth and holi- 
ness : these they offer up before the throne of the 
divine Majesty, and expose the wants of their com- 
panions, who are combating upon earth. 

At the intercession of the Angels and Saints, and 
at My Heart's own desire, mercy and grace descend, 
to console and refresh mortals, and fill them with 
gladness from above. 

And thus, Child, whilst the inhabitants of 
heaven fully enjoy everlasting bliss, the faithful 



CHAPTER VI. 



611 



here are unceasingly being prepared by the most 
Holy Sacrament for the same blessedness : and they 
that are prepared are constantly entering the heav- 
enly tabernacles. 

4. Therefore, in My Heart is the Church, the 
one in heaven as well as the one upon earth, united. 
Itself is the principle, by which the whole becomes 
one, and the parts have a mutual and continual 
intercourse. 

For it pleased Me to join together therein all 
things, whether in heaven or on earth ; so that all, 
being rooted and strengthened in the same, may 
abound through My Heart. 

It was necessary that this should be done, My 
Child : for, unless I had liberally bestowed the 
grace of My Heart, that men fortified, yea, elevated 
thereby, might attain to the heavenly fellowship, 
they could never, by the powers of their own nature, 
have reached that supernatural beatitude. 

In this manner, then, didst thou draw nigh to 
the City of the living Grod, the heavenly Jerusalem, 
to the fellowship of many thousands of Angels, and 
to the Church of the first-born, who are written in 
the heavens. 

5. Admire thou, My Child, these sublime dis- 
pensations : revere these mysteries of love : take ad- 
vantage, for the advancement of thy soul, of so 
great a goodness of My Heart, which grants thee, 
although a weak mortal, to hold intimate comniu- 



612 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



nion with the Saints and Angels, and from the same 
treasure with them to draw forth blissfulness. 

See, how the Church Militant, enraptured with 
this love of My Heart, vies, by her praises and mani- 
festations of gratefulness, to emulate the Church 
Triumphant. 

For, as the Church in heaven has no rest, but 
without end praises Me, forever glorifies Me : so 
the Church on earth ceases not to honor, to cele- 
brate Me. 

Let not thy sentiments, My Child, be different 
from the sentiments of the Church, thy Mother : 
but have thou the same sentiments that she enter- 
tains. 

When thou appearest before My beloved Taber- 
nacle, expand thy heart, give thyself up to devo- 
tion, give glory to the Lord thy Glod. 

Unite thyself with the Church Militant ; join 
thyself also to the Church Triumphant: thus, as- 
sociated with the faithful, and with the Spirits 
above, praise Thy Saviour-God with the joyful ex- 
ultation of mouth and heart. 

Fall prostrate with veneration, adore, entreat, 
enjoy My presence. 

6. The voice of the Disciple. — most loving 
Jesus ! how admirable is the love of Thy Heart, 
\\ hereby, to cheer and console me on earth, Thou 
didst cause me, in some manner, to enjoy here be- 
low the bliss and companionship of heaven ! 

Thus, love incomprehensible ! thus Thou 



CHAPTER VI. 



613 



didst soothe, in a wonderful way, the bitterness of 
my banishment ; yea, didst change it into heavenly 
sweetness. 

And should I not love Thee after this ? should 
I not praise Thee ? should not Thy love be ever in 
my heart, Thy praise upon my lips? 

Yea, I will love, I will praise Thee, O Lord : I 
will love and praise Thee as much as I can, and I 
wish that I were able as much as I ought. 

I invite heaven and earth to j.oin me in loving 
and praising Thee. 

Enravished with love for Thee, let the Angels 
and Saints, all the just and the faithful praise Thee 
in the most sweet Sacrament ! Let the Triumphant, 
together with the Militant Church, cause heaven 
and earth to resound with hymns of love and 
praise ! 

Nay, let all things created, visible and invisi- 
ble, animate and inanimate, that do Thy bidding, 
not cease day nor night to praise and glorify Thee, 
because Thou art worthy of every praise, of every 
glory, world without end. 

7. Thou most charming of friends, Jesus, Thou 
the bliss of all the Angels and Saints ! Where on 
earth shall I seek for happiness, if I do not seek 
for it here ! 

Here I become the companion of the Saints, 
here I dwell in the midst of Angels, here I find 
the very delights of heaven. 

ineffable goodness ! infinite sweetness ! Thou 



614 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



who drawest to Thyself from above the heavenly 
Spirits, draw me also unto Thee ; that here I 
may rest, here, amid the Angels, gaze upon Thee, 
adore Thee, praise Thee, supplicate Thee. 

Whenever I am elsewhere detained, do Thou 
draw hither my heart and mind ; that, in spirit 
at least, I may be here with Thee ; that, by frequent 
thought and affection, I may converse with Thee, 
may be occupied with Thee. 

What can I desire better or sweeter in this world 
than here to enjoy Thee? Here is the new earthly 
Paradise, where I long and resolve to live, until I 
am transported hence into Thy heavenly kingdom, 
and triumph forever with the Angels and Saints. 



CHAPTER VII. 

THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS UNITES TO- 
GETHER THE CHURCH, THAT SUFFERS IN PURGA- 
TORY, WITH THE MILITANT AND TRIUMPHANT 
CHURCH. 

1. The voice of Jesus. — My Child, none shall 
enter the kingdom of heaven, the Church Triumph- 
ant, unless he is holy, stainless. For nothing de- 
filed shall enter therein. 

Whosoever leaves this world, defiled with sin, 



CHAPTER VII. 



615 



which, may be forgiven in the world to eonie, shall 
be saved, yet so as by fire. 

In this fire, My Child, is the Suffering Church, 
a multitude of souls, that formerly, beneath My 
standard, fought for My sake against the flesh, the 
world, and the devil, but in the battle were, in one 
way or another, wanting in their duty, and, during 
life, did not repair their shortcomings. 

They suffer, My Child, and the more vehemently, 
since, as they now understand things more fully, 
they also long the more ardently to be with Me in 
the triumph of the heavenly kingdom. 

Relying on this certain hope of bliss, they expe- 
rience on this very account more violent sufferings : 
for hope delayed afflicts the soul. 

And, although the soul is glad to be there 
cleansed, and would not go thence uncleansed, she, 
however, finds no rest, but, impelled by an exces- 
sive longing, she cries out : When shall I come, 
oh when shall I come and appear before the face 
of my God ! 

2. These souls I cherish, My Child, because in 
life they loved Me, and did not unto the end leave 
My standard. 

Their - names are written in the Book of Life, and 
their rewards are safely laid up in My Heart. 

Meanwhile, the grace of My Heart informs them, 
the virtue of My Heart relieves them, the bound- 
less love of My Heart comforts them. 

Thus, through My Heart, is the Church Suffering 



616 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



vivified, as well as the Church Militant, and the 
Triumphant : and in My Heart these three are one. 

Animated by the supernatural life of My Heart, 
the one that is glorified in heaven, the one that is 
being cleansed in Purgatory, the one that combats 
upon earth, all concur in one and the same end, 
which is lasting triumph for the unending glory of 
the divine Majesty. 

3. And, since all receive life out of My Heart, 
and return the fruit of this life to My Heart, all 
good things become common among them in My 
Heart; the charity whereof, penetrating into heaven, 
the earth, and Purgatory, distributes them to all 
the members, to the advantage of each and all. 

But as the souls in Purgatory can no longer gain 
any merit for themselves, and cannot be assisted by 
men, except through their suffrages, My Heart 
drew out of Its love a means to help them in the 
most bountiful manner. 

For It willed that the Eucharistic Sacrifice should 
be applicable to them, in view whereof, the divine 
Majesty either sets them free, or, certainly, shortens 
or lessens their sufferings. 

It is, then, owing to My Heart, that those souls 
are in this manner relieved and purified' by the 
virtue of My Blood, which is applied to them 
through the Holy Sacrifice. 

Thus, My Child, Purgatory is emptied, heaven 
filled ; and to those sojourning on earth the sweetest 



CHAPTER VII. 



617 



consolation is given, in regard to them that have 
departed this life. 

4. Behold, therefore, how beautiful is the whole 
Church, all the parts whereof are perpetually com- 
municating with each other in My Heart. 

The Militant part, adorned with the victories al- 
ready obtained, and marching onward in pursuit of 
new ones, rejoices with those that rejoice in the 
Triumphant, and weeps with them that weep in the 
Suffering Church. 

Love, compassion, joy, prayers are ever passing 
to and fro, through every part. 

Rejoice, My Child, that thou art not of the number 
of them that have no hope beyond the tomb, but 
of those whom, — united as they are in My Heart, — 
neither the distance of places, nor the empire of 
death can separate. 

5. Take to thyself the Spirit of My Heart : as 
often as thou art present at the most Holy Sacri- 
fice, humbly remember the faithful departed : for, 
whilst the sacred and adorable Victim lies before 
thee, it is especially a wholesome thought, a most 
religious practice, to pray for the dead, that they 
may be loosed from sins. 

In the same Spirit also, if thou gainest any in- 
dulgence, which may be beneficial to them, apply 
the same for their relief and consolation. 

And when thou art united to Me in Holy Com- 
munion, then, above all, do thou commend to My 
Heart those whom thou didst hold dear in this 
52 



618 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



world, as well as the rest, for whom it is proper 
that thou shouldst pray. 

Call to mind, Child, with how great a feeling of 
gratefulness and love, these souls will endeavor to 
repay thee, whom, by thy prayers and suffrages, 
thou didst introduce into heavenly bliss. 

This devotion, this charity toward the souls suf- 
fering in Purgatory, is a peculiar characteristic of 
the Disciples of My Heart ; who, after Its example^ 
transcend the bounds of this world, and whomsoever 
they find capable of being helped, they comfort by 
their charity. 

6. The voice of the Disciple. — most sweet 
Jesus! what a Heart is Thine! how admirable! 
how bountiful ! 

For, behold ! in Thy Heart, I find even those 
whom I had lost out of this life ; and I am once 
more united with them, whom in this life I cher- 
ished. 

Here I hold with them an intercourse full of 
sweetness : here I can solace both them and myself. 

Making use with thankfulness of this most con- 
soling means, through thy very Heart, I present to 
Thee, for the relief of the souls of the faithful de- 
parted, the fruit of every Holy Sacrifice of the Mass 
wheresoever offered. 

And, in union therewith, I offer up whatsoever 
good works, through Thy holy grace, I do possess, 
that Thou mayst deign to wash away all the defile- 



CHAPTER VII. 



619 



merits of those souls, and thus make them worthy 
of the fellowship of the Church Triumphant. 

I also offer to Thee my prayers and supplications, 
especially for my departed parents, brothers, sisters, 
friends ; for all, in fine, who have done good to me, 
whether in things temporal or spiritual. 

Those souls also do I specially commend, of 
whose sufferings I may, in any manner, have been 
the cause. 

But particularly do I pray for those departed, 
who, in the present life, have been devoted Disci- 
ples of Thy most Sacred Hesrt. 

Finally, I do humbly entreat Thee for them all ; 
that, released from sufferings, they may enter into 
everlasting joys, and there be mindful of me. 

7. Jesus, Thou who consolest all Thine, and 
renewest all things ! when I am here with Thee 
before Thy sacred Tabernacle, the world of sense 
seems to vanish away : foi here the spiritual world 
is thrown open to me : and oh ! how vast, how mar- 
velous ! with what mighty and countless wonders 
does it appear tilled ! 

Here I hold communion with the Church Tri- 
umphant in heaven, and with the Church that is 
purified in Purgatory : here I converse, in freedom 
and holiness, with the Angels and all the inhabit- 
ants of heaven : here I deal with my kindred and 
friends who dwell in the invisible world. 

And to whom am I indebted for all this, if not to 
Thy Heart ? Here, therefore, here is the place of 



020 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



my choice, the place of peace and repose, the place 
of joy and consolation. 

how good it is for me to be here, most bounti- 
ful Jesus, source of every good! Let others go 
whither they prefer; let them be entertained by the 
objects wherein they delight: I, so often as Thy 
Will may grant it to me, I will constantly repair 
hither ; here will I entertain myself with Thy own ; 
here will I treat with Thee, heart to Heart, in the 
plenitude of Thy sweetness. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

OP THE INEFFABLE OCCUPATIONS OF THE MOST 
SACRED HEART OP JESUS, IN THE SACRAMENT, 
WITH RESPECT TO HIS FATHER. 

1. The voice of the Disciple. — If the works of 
Thy Sacred Heart, Lord Jesus, in regard to every 
portion of Thy Church, are so wonderful, so sub- 
lime, of which kind, I pray, are Its occupations 
with respect to Thy Father, by whom Thou art 
loved infinitely, and whom Thou also lovest infin- 
itely ? 

These, indeed, are mysteries so great, that, were 
any one, in order to unfold them, to speak the lan- 



CHAPTER VIII. 



621 



guage of men and Angels, lie should still be as a 
child, that knows not how to speak. 

Yea, Lord, these are secrets, which it is not given 
to man to utter. 

Do Thou Thyself, therefore, reveal them to us, 
so much as Thou knowest them to be useful for 
Thy glory and our good ; that we may be enabled 
to worship and love Thee worthily in Thy most 
Holy Sacrament. 

2. The voice of Jesus. — Listen reverently, My 
Child, attend religiously : and I will unfold to thee 
the divine secrets. 

Here, in My innermost retreat, in the light un- 
created, I contemplate, with Heart enraptured, the 
divine Essence, and am infinitely delighted in Its 
perfections. 

Hence, My Heart is inundated with unutterable 
joys: and It is now the more abundantly and the 
more delightfully overflowed with these, the more 
It was, during Its mortal life, filled with bitterness. 

Amid these splendors, amid these divine ecstasies, 
the Father is in Me and I in the Father ; and, 
without the sound of words, the Father speaks to 
Me and I to Him. 

Here the Father communicates to Me the eternal 
counsels of His Wisdom, the decrees of His su- 
preme Omnipotence, the most lovely good-pleasure 
of His Goodness. 

These My Heart embraces in return, and finds 
Its pleasure therein. 



622 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



3. For My Heart loves the Father supremely : 
and with such a love for Him does It burn, that It 
never grows cool, nor loses aught of Its ardor. 

Behold, My Child, a love with which no other 
heart can love the Father, since every other heart 
is only referred and united to Him as the heart 
of a son, not by nature, as is My Heart, but solely 
by adoption. 

In this, then, My Heart is alone and unrivaled. 
Therefore, also, the Father is delighted, above the 
love of all the Saints and Angels, with the love of 
My Heart, because it is the love of the Heart of 
His only-begotten Son. 

4. As I am the Son of God the Father, and as 
all things which the Father has are Mine, I enjoy 
them all, I use them all in the Holy Spirit. 

Whatsoever things the Father does, these I also 
do : I create, preserve, perfect all the same things 
with the Father and the Holy Spirit. 

But as the Son of man, I, in some manner, anni- 
hilate Myself before the presence of the Father, 
and pour forth, before Him, perpetual adorations. 

Here I worship His divine Wisdom, Goodness, 
Power, and other perfections, in such a manner 
that neither the Cherubim, nor Seraphim, nor any 
other created beings can so glorify the same. 

5. But, whilst, in this mystical and sublime sol- 
itude of the divine Sacrament, I am thus alone 
treating with the Father in the Holy Spirit, My 



CHAPTER VIII. 



623 



Heart is not unfaithful, so as to forget the work of 
Its predilection among the children of men. 

For them My Heart does unceasingly offer to the 
Father Its manifold and stupendous sacrifices. 

If any there are infirm or drooping in spirit, or 
dead, here It prays for them with unspeakable 
groanings. 

And It pours Itself out, with all Its affections, 
before the Father, that he who is just, may be 
justified still, and he that is holy may be still 
sanctified. 

Nor do I cease with My Heart to offer prayers 
and supplications for all, whom I am not ashamed 
to call brethren before the Father : 

Saying, that all may be one ; as Thou, Father, 
in Me, and I in Thee, so they also may be one 
in Us. 

I in them and Thou in Me ; that they may be 
made perfect in one : that the world may know 
that Thou hast sent Me, and hast loved them, as 
Thou also hast loved Me. 

I pray not that Thou wouldst take them out of 
the world, but that Thou wouldst keep them from 
evil. Sanctify them in the truth. 

Father, I will that where I am, they also, whom 
Thou hast given Me, may be with Me ; that they 
may see My glory which Thou hast given Me. 

6. Behold, My Child, the occupations in regard 
to the Father, which, here in the holy Tabernacle, 
My Heart uninterruptedly continues. 



624 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



Do thou endeavor, when here thou appearest in 
My presence, to imitate these occupations of My 
Heart. 

Raise thy heart above all sensible objects : and 
with the Church, thy Mother, who, as the symbol 
of her faith, keeps a constant light burning before 
the most Holy Sacrament, contemplate, by the light 
of Faith, thy God, thy Saviour, present to thee. 

In silence, with deep reverence, and pious affec- 
tion, meditate on all those things, wherewith My 
Heart is here employed. 

Hither do thou frequently resort, My Child, here 
pour out thy heart : here do thou love : here de- 
light in My Heart. 

7. The voice of the Disciple. — how marvelous, 
how divine Thy occupations, my Jesus, in the 
sacred Tabernacle ! 

These, Lord, these, if they are pondered, if they 
are understood, teach that which neither books can 
show, nor talents make known. 

divine solitude of Jesus in the Sacrament ! 
here is the fountain of heavenly secrets : this is the 
school of contemplation, where souls are taught to 
rise above things sensible, to go to the Father, and 
the Son, and the Holy G-host ; to gaze upon the 
wonderful works of God, to pray with mind and 
heart ; to speculate on things mystical and divine. 

The eye has not seen, the ear has not heard, no 
sense has perceived— by faith alone it is descried, 
by pure love it is tasted — how great a felicity, how 



CHAPTER VIII. 



625 



great a sweetness, how great an abundance of all 
good things lies here concealed. 

Here, Lord Jesus, is the retreat, wherein, at rest 
Thyself, Thou puttest all things to rest ; wherein 
Thou Thyself occupied, occupiestus; wherein, Holy 
Thyself, Thou sauctifiest us. 

Here is the spot which the Angels surround ; 
wherein pure souls long to make their abode. 

Here, most sweet Jesus, here will I ever seek 
Thee ; here, I implore Thee, let me deserve, in Thy 
light, to behold the light wherein Thou dwellest ; 
to be occupied with Thee, to be delighted with 
the wonders which Thou workest with the Father, 
and the Holy Ghost ; to be absorbed by the flood 
of divine fire, which bursts forth from Thy Heart ; 
in fine, to be transformed in Thee by love. 

Bring me. I beseech Thee, into the very secrets 
of Thy Heart, aud keep me with Thee in this di- 
vine repose, where all merely human emotion ceases, 
where everything that moves, springs from the 
Godhead, and tends to the Godhead. 

If I have found favor in Thy eyes, Lord, give 
me admittance, I entreat Thee; unite me with Thee 
by the indissoluble bond of love; fill all my facul- 
ties within and without, that I may live of Thee 
and for Thee. 

53 



626 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



CHAPTER IX. 

THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS, IN THE 
BLESSED SACRAMENT, HONORS HIS FATHER IN- 
FINITELY. 

1. The voice of Jesus. — Now, dearly beloved, is 
the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in 
Him. 

How much, thinkest thou, is the Father glorified, 
how much is He honored by the Son; who, for the 
honor and glory of the Father, is not now seen on 
earth, but hidden in the Sacrament ? 

The Father is worthy of all worship, praise, and 
homage : and, therefore, do I, in this sacred mystery, 
exhibit the same to Him, by the boundless humili- 
ations to which I here subject Myself. 

So much the more is the Majesty of God the 
Father exalted, the more the Son, made man, hum- 
bles Himself, that He may honor the Father. 

Measure, if thou canst, the depth of humility, 
into which I here descended for the glory of God the 
Father. Into a deep abyss I certainly did go down 
by My Incarnation ; into a deeper one I sank dur- 
ing My lifetime : into the very deepest I lowered 
Myself by My death. But here, I have sunk be- 
neath all those depths : here I exceed all those ex- 
cesses, and continue to do the same. 

Endeavor as much as thou canst, struggle as 
much as thou wilt ; thou mayst wonder, thou mayst 



CHAPTER IX. 



627 



be astounded, but never shalt thou be able to grasp 
or understand neither the depth, nor the breadth of 
the abyss, into which My Heart here lowers Itself. 

The very Angels are amazed, when, struck with 
awe, they gaze upon Me, whom they acknowledge 
and worship as their Lord, humbling Myself more 
deeply than they themselves could possibly do. 

Powerfully, indeed, are they thereby enkindled 
and stimulated to glorify the divine Majesty, whose 
infinite grandeur they cannot comprehend, but 
whom they thus more clearly perceive, by My ex- 
ample, as worthy of infinite honor. 

2. If the state itself, My Child, wherein I have 
here placed Myself, honors the divine Majesty so 
exceedingly, how much glory do all the things 
which I perform for Him, in this condition, give to 
Him! 

Judge not by the outward appearance: things 
divine are not to be estimated in a human sense. 

All My acts, in this Sacrament, since they are 
the acts of a Person of infinite dignity, unseen 
though they be, and displaying no splendor to s-trike 
the senses of men, are of infinite value. 

Wherefore, My Child, the least motion of My 
Heart for the glory of My Father glorifies Him in- 
comparably more, than all things whatsoever done 
by mere creatures. 

Call to mind the great exploits, the illustrious 
actions, and immortal deeds, which men have 
achieved for the world, and whereby they have 



628 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



spread their renown over the earth : behold, all 
these, compared with a single act of My Heart, 
what are they except smoke, compared to a blazing 
fire? 

Nay more, add together the virtues, the suffer- 
ings, the heroic actions, whereby all the Saints, 
from Abel even to the last of the just, have ren- 
dered themselves truly distinguished : these also, 
My Child, though pleasing and honorable to God, 
are infinitely below one single sacrifice, whereby 
My Heart here honors God. 

What more ? Great, indeed, and glorious are 
the praises and thanksgivings, which the Spirits 
above, the inhabitants of heaven, offer to the divine 
Majesty : yet, greater, and more glorious beyond 
comparison, are those which My Heart, by one 
single immolation of Itself upon the altar, presents 
to Him. 

3. Rightly, therefore, does the holy Church re- 
joice, for that she has for her Bridegroom the Son 
of God, who honors for her the divine Majesty, as 
much as He deserves to be honored : and gives Him 
thanks such as are due to Him. 

This she daily acknowledges with grateful feel- 
ing, when, through Me, she draws nigh to the 
Father, and says to Him : Through Him, and with 
Him, and in Him is to Thee, God, almighty Father, 
in the unity of the Holy Ghost, all honor and glory. 

Formed by this divine institution, and united to 
Me, she dares, without fear of refusal, pray the 



CHAPTER IX. 



629 



Father and thank Him, through Me, Christ the 
Lord. 

And, since she knows that only through Me her 
acts are supernaturally acceptable to God, whatso- 
ever she does, whatsoever she offers, she performs 
it all in union with Me, for the praise and glory of 
the divine Majesty, as well as for her own advan- 
tage unto life everlasting. 

4. Blessed those souls, My Child, that, moved by 
the spirit of their holy Mother, the Church, with 
her unite themselves to My Heart in the Sacra- 
ment ; and thus strive to pay to God the honor and 
thanksgiving, which they owe to Him, but which, 
of themselves, they are unable to render. 

Remember, Child, how much thou owest to My 
heavenly Father, who so cherished thee that, in so 
marvelous and sweet a manner, He gave thee His 
only-begotten Son : who so loves thee, that He im- 
parts to thee, in so great an abundance, the gifts 
of the Spirit the Comforter sent in My name. 

How sweet a debt is gratefulness, if thou hast a 
noble heart ! And what can be so sweet, if thou 
hast the heart of a son, as to display a grateful 
mind toward the best of Fathers ? 

And, if thou desirest to be thankful to God, like 
a son to his father, honor Him : for He says : If I 
am a Father, where is My honor ? 

5. The voice of the Disciple. — eternal Father ! 
from whom, as from their highest source, I have 
received all things ; nay, what infinitely surpasses 



630 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



all, Thy only Son Himself, with all His merits and 
ineffable favors, the Holy Spirit likewise, and His 
graces and multiform gifts : what return shall I 
make to Thee, for blessings so great, so numerous? 

If there must be a certain proportion between 
gifts and the thankfulness for them, behold ! I am, 
everyway, powerless to repay the gratitude Lowe 
to Thee, since there is no comparison between Thy 
infinite gifts and my imperfect gratefulness. 

When, besides, I consider that all the divine 
perfections are infinite, and that these infinite per- 
fections, even if Thou hadst never bestowed any 
favor upon me, are, for their own sake to be wor- 
shiped in a limitless manner, I am overwhelmed by 
the weight of my debt to which, I acknowledge, I 
am of myself forever unequal. 

But behold ! Jesus, Thy only and most beloved 
Son, who, for Thy love and mine, abides with me 
upon earth, makes good what I owe to Thee, but 
am unable to repay. 

Through Him, therefore, who knows all Thy 
blessings bestowed upon me, and fully comprehends 
Thy perfections, I do here, in union with the love 
of His Heart, avow the obedience of my depend- 
ence, and render to Thee a worship ever most ac- 
ceptable in Him, in whom Thou art always well- 
pleased. 

6. With all my heart do I rejoice, for that Thou 
art infinitely perfect, as well as liberal to me ; and 
that, iii tne Heart of Jesus, Thy well-beloved Son, 



CHAPTER IX. 



631 



I possess wherewith I am able to return Thee due 
honor and gratitude. 

Wherefore, I offer to Thee all the virtues of the 
most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Thy Son, and all the 
acts which He ceases not to perform, for the honor 
of Thy Majesty, and the salvation of the whole 
world, in the most Blessed Sacrament of His love. 

Whatsoever I am able to do, is as nothing in 
comparison of what I owe to Thee : and this is 
itself a part of Thy praise, that what Thou deserv- 
est, is above every power of mine. 

But, look upon the face of Jesus, Thy Son, who 
is the image of Thy Goodness and of Thy every 
perfection ; and, for Thy glory, do Thou receive 
all the fullness of the Holiness of His Heart. 

Deign, I beseech Thee, Holy Father, to accept 
the merits, satisfactions, and praises of Thy only- 
begotten Son, as an atonement for all the insults 
with which I myself and others have, at times, dis- 
honored Thee, 

For which insults I would gladly, were I able, 
make amends with my blood and with every other 
sacrifice : but, since whatsoever I may do, is, of it- 
self, by no means sufficient for this, I unite it all 
with the infinite merits of the Heart of Jesus, Thy 
Son, and thus present it to Thee. 

7. Through the same Heart of Thy beloved 
Son — through which I pay Thee a tribute of honor, 
and render Thee thanks for all the blessings be< 



632 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



stowed upon me — I humbly implore new graces for 
Thy glory. 

Above all, grant me, I entreat Thee, a great, a 
generous, a tender love for Thy Son, the Beloved 
of my soul, the most sweet Jesus, who stays here 
so lovingly with me. 

Grant that, animated with the sentiments of His 
Heart, and united thereto, I may live by Him — 
through whom alone I am able to come to Thee. 

Give me for this, I beseech Thee, the fullness of 
the Holy Spirit, who ever animated and guided the 
IJeart of Jesus. 

Let that divine Spirit replenish my whole heart, 
inflame it with love for Jesus, and stimulate it 
ever with hunger and thirst for His most delicious 
Sacrament. 



CHAPTER X. 

THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS, BY ITS SELF- 
OFFERINGS IN THE MOST HOLT SACRAMENT, AP- 
PEASES THE DIVINE JUSTICE, AND PROCURES 
FOR US MEASURELESS GRACES. 

1. The voice of Jesus. — My Child, thus says the 
Lord : In every place there is sacrificed and offered 
to My Name a clean Oblation ; for great is My 
Name among the nations. 



CHAPTER X. 



633 



This, My Child, is that Victim of salvation, 
which, once offered on the Holy Mountain for the 
Redemption of all, is offered daily throughout the 
world to apply My merits to each one in particular, 
unto the forgiveness of sins, which are daily com- 
mitted. 

For, knowing that the nature of them that were 
to believe in Me, would be such, that they should 
all offend in many things ; moved by the love of 
My Heart, I instituted a Sacrifice, not only of su- 
preme worship and thanksgiving, but also of atone- 
ment and impetration : by the offering of which, 
God, being appeased, after granting the grace and 
gift of repentance, would also pardon crimes and 
offenses, and liberally bestow His favors. 

The same Sacrifice, that I formerly offered upon 
the cross, I now offer upon the altar, — not indeed 
in a bloody manner as then, but with the same 
love of Heart. 

As often, therefore, as this ever-enduring Sacri- 
fice is offered, as often as the remembrance of this 
Victim is celebrated, the work of man's Redemp- 
tion is renewed. 

Upon this Oblation the Almighty Father ever 
deigns to look with a propitious and favorable eye, 
and He holds the same more acceptable, than the 
holy sacrifice, the spotless offering which the High- 
priest, Melchisedech, presented to Him. 

Whence also the Church, full of confidence, 
prays God the Father, that hereby the faithful may 



634 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



be freed from all evils, past, present, and future ; 
and that, assisted by the help of the divine mercy, 
they may be free from sin, and secure from all dis- 
turbance. 

For, what can the eternal Father refuse, when 
He beholds Me, His only Son, through zeal for His 
honor and love for men, immolated upon the altar 
and lying there the victim of His glory ; whilst 
My Heart and My very Blood cry out and inter- 
cede for My brethren ? 

2. Most assuredly this Oblation, so pre-eminently 
clean, — presented by the ministry of priests, through 
Myself, with the infinite affection of My Heart, 
to the Heavenly Father, — is ever pleasing to Him, 
is ever regarded for its dignity. 

Thus, indeed, many others are made priests, be- 
cause death suffered them not to remain, and be- 
cause this Victim is offered in every place : but I, 
since I endure forever, possess an everlasting priest- 
hood. Whence also I can save, forever, those that, 
through Me, draw nigh to God. 

The earth, therefore, is, as it were, uninterrupt- 
edly crimsoned by the offering of this most sacred 
Victim; and its fragrance, blending with the virtues 
and merits of My Heart, is unceasingly ascending 
to the Father for an odor of sweetness. 

If the many sins of men do much offend the di- 
vine Majesty, and provoke His justice, this holy 
Sacrifice does incomparably more to honor and ap- 
pease the same ; since His only-begotten Son pleases 



CHAPTER X. 



635 



Him infinitely more, than all sinners displease 
Him. 

What land on earth is not^ in some manner, dyed 
with the Blood of My Heart, or what spot is ex- 
cluded from Its prayers and protection? What 
region, then, in this world, can God smite, without 
striking a place defeuded by the Heart of His 
Son? 

Behold ! sinners have sinned, and they were not> 
according to their deserts, cast into the pool of fire 
everlasting : yea, they are even suffered to live, not 
indeed that they may continue to sin, but that they 
may save themselves. 

For I place Myself between God My Father and 
the sinners ; for them I offer Myself, and make in- 
tercession : Look Thou, holy and righteous Father, 
behold My hands, and My Side : see how much 
they have cost Thy Son ! by the love, wherewith 
Thou lovest Me, spare, Father, spare Thy people. 

3. My Child, ought not the sinner to yield to so 
great a goodness, whereby I keep hell shut, lest he 
be swallowed up therein ; whereby I restrain the 
demons, lest they carry him off ; whereby I stay 
the arm of the Almighty, lest the bolts of divine 
justice destroy him ? 

Thou shouldst indeed wonder, didst thou see all 
the secret means which My Heart here employs to 
save souls ; which, unless I turned away the divine 
wrath from them, should soon be deservedly de- 
voured. 



636 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



If now, as of old, sudden and immutable punish- 
ment is not inflicted upon the wicked ; they should 
remember that it is owing to the Sacrifice of My 
Heart, whereby the whole world is preserved. 

Lo, Child, how My Heart loves, everywhere 
mindful of men, even of the most wretched ; every- 
where promoting the salvation of souls. 

4. With what sentiments, then, is it befitting 
that thou shouldst approach this mystery, whence 
thou mayst obtain remedies so great ! Whence thou 
mayst secure graces and favors of every kind : for 
it is of infinite value. 

But, although this Sacrifice is of infinite value, 
the fruit thereof is, however, applied to man in a 
limited manner, according to the liveliness of the 
faith and devotedness, the dispositon of the soul of 
him that assists thereat, or for whom it is offered 
up; as the Church, taught by the Holy Spirit, in- 
sinuates, when, during the Sacrifice, she prays Grod 
to remember His servants, and all the bystanders, 
whose faith is acknowledged, and whose devoted- 
ness is known by Him. 

Wherefore, My Child, do thou celebrate or hear 
Mass with a lively faith, a true devotion, a holy 
disposition; that thou mayst deserve to obtain the 
greatest fruit of the Sacrifice, and secure all the 
graces for which thou prayest. 

For the divine Clemency grants, without doubt, 
to them that are rightly disposed, whatsoever favors 



CHAPTER X. 



637 



they ask during the Mass ; nay, frequently bestows 
liberally blessings for which they did not petition. 

Remember this, Child, that piously, to hear Mass 
is a most wholesome means to keep thyself from 
dangers, to preserve thyself from an unforeseen 
death, and to follow the path of righteousness. 

If thou wilt lay up merits, so often as it is per- 
mitted, be thou present at the Sacrifice of the Mass : 
for, by the devout hearing of one Mass, thou mer- 
itest far more, than if, through devotion, thou didst 
macerate thyself for a long time by fasts and aus- 
terities, or didst undertake a distant pilgrimage. 

Lastly, if thou desirest to make thyself agreeable 
to My Heart, assist at Mass as frequently and as 
devoutly as possible ; for this Sacrifice glorifies the 
most Holy Trinity, rejoices the Angels and Saints, 
enriches the just with grace, helps sinners for their 
conversion, relieves the souls detained in Purgatory, 
in fine, cheers and comforts the whole Church on 
earth. 

5. The voice oftlie Disciple. — most sweet Jesus ! 
how great the mercy ! how disinterested the love ! 
how resistless the kindness ! how astounding the 
goodness of Thy Heart ! 

Even for them who, as much as in them lies, sad- 
den Thy Heart, Thou ceasest not to immolate Thy- 
self ; that Thou mayst stay the weight of the divine 
anger, whilst they betake themselves in safety be- 
neath the protection of Thy Heart. 

And I, for I will confess it, although so plenti- 



638 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



fully blessed with the gifts of Thy Heart, I, most 
ungrateful of men, have grieved Thy Heart. 

To the great mercy, to the infinite goodness of 
Thy Heart it is owing, that I am not destroyed, that 
T still remain unharmed. 

6. Heart of Jesus ! Heart full of sweetness 
and delight ! most loving Heart, every way poured 
out through an excess of love ! how can I possess 
a heart worthy of the name of a human heart, if I 
do not love Thee in return ? 

Who, Lord, who can resist Thy love, when he 
considers, how, in the most Holy Eucharist, Thou 
shelterest us in Thy Heart, and offerest Thyself to 
Thy Father for us ! 

my Jesus ! what would happen, shouldst Thou 
cast away the sinner from the protection of Thy 
Heart ! how dreadfully would the thunderbolts of 
divine justice hurl him into the lowest depths of 
hell ! 

Far, Lord, far be it from me, that, by provok- 
ing Thy Heart, through ingratitude, through sin, 
I should expose myself to so great a danger ! 

7. Grant, my Saviour! that I may bo more 
eager to please Thee, who art so solicitous for me ; 
that I may love Thee more fervently ; that, through 
gratitude and love, I may visit Thee more fre- 
quently, and assist oftener or more devoutly at Thy 
holy Sacrifice. 

how little do I love Thee, if I do not daily 



CHAPTER XI. 



639 



come hither, to be present at Mass; here to medi- 
tate, to converse with Thee, to beg much of Thee. 

How considerable a time of the day do I give 
to worldly occupations ! how much to rest and to 
recreate myself! and cannot I spend here with Thee 
half an hour for the affair of my everlasting salva- 
tion, and for the divine glory ; the more as I should 
take hence Thy grace and blessing, whereby my 
affairs themselves, and all the rest, would be made 
holy and prosperous? 

Yea, Lord, daily will I be here with Thee. 
And, if I am necessarly hindered from being bodily 
present, even then I will be here in spirit with 
Thee. 



CHAPTER XI. 

THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS, IN THE SACRA- 
MENT OF HIS LOVE, IS OUR GREATEST CONSOLA- 
TION ON EARTH. 

1. The voice of Jesus.— Mj Child, behold My 
Tabernacle with men ! behold here I dwell with 
them. Here I Myself console them that come, and 
I wipe away every tear from their eyes. 

And, as there is no place on earth, where afflic- 
tion does not sometimes shed tears, My Heart mul- 
tiplies Its miracles, that It may everywhere multi 
ply consolations. 



640 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



Hence thou mayst learn, My Child, that the 
mercy of M)y Heart is greater than man's misery 
can be. 

If any remedy, if any comfort is required in mis- 
fortune, here it is found in My Heart ; here it is 
drawn with gladness from the same. 

Behold ! here I make all things new : things 
heavy I change into light, things tasteless I make 
to be savory : bitterness I turn into sweetness, 
mourning into joy of heart. 

Nay more, this vale of tears I transform into a 
Paradise ; earth into heaven before its time. For 
here is the plentifulness of all the good things of 
heaven, here is the fountain of peace and gladness ; 
here are the Angels, here am I Myself, here is bliss 
ever-enduring. 

2. These are the wonders of love, Child, which 
My Heart works for thee, that thou mayst not be 
cast down amid the tribulations of life ; but that, 
attracted by the goodness of My Heart, thou mayst 
come to this overflowing fountain of all conso- 
lation. 

If thou hast once duly tasted Its sweetness, thou 
wilt soon forget every affliction of the past, or wilt 
even deem it all joy. 

When, here before the Tabernacle, thou pourest 
forth thy heart ; above all, when, after holy Com- 
munion, thou speakest to Me heart to Heart, and 
resignest thyself wholly to Me ; then wilt thou per- 



CHAPTER XI. 



641 



ceive that affliction yields to consolation, fear to 
confidence, lukewarmness to fervor of heart. 

If, overlooking Me, thou runnest elsewhere to 
find some one to relieve and help thee in thy dejec- 
tion, thou shalt often be able to say: I sought some 
one to comfort me, but I found none. 

But hither thou shalt never come in vain : hence 
thou shalt never depart without relief. 

Hither, then, do thou ever fly, that thou mayst 
receive a remedy for thy troubles ; and turn thy 
sufierings into consoling merits. 

3. If misfortune, if loss of possessions, or even 
if w r ant fill thy heart with groanings and thy eyes 
with tears, so as to render thy soul weary of life ; 
here, My Child, thou shalt find what no mortal can 
give thee ; here thou shalt obtain a soothing of thy 
grief. If thou lookest upon My example, thy 
heart shall be comforted : My promise of perma- 
nent possessions, which thou shalt receive by shar- 
ing My inheritance, after having passed a few days 
here below, will cheer up thy spirit: lastly, the 
secret grace of My Heart will not rarely turn the 
tears of grief into tears of consolation. 

If the world hates thee, if men slight, oppose, or 
oppress thee ; here, My Child, here in this mys- 
tery of love thou shalt be abundantly comforted : 
when thou possessest Me, yea, when thou pressest 
Me to thy heart, Me thy Saviour, thy faithful 
Friend, thy best and dearest Father, thou wilt be 
contented enough to be hidden, to be humbled with 
54 



642 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



Me, that thou mayst be the more alike and pleas- 
ing to My Heart, in order to be forever exalted by 
Me among My Elect. 

And, if thou art afflicted or tormented with pains 
of the body and anguish of soul ; behold, Child, 
behold here is thy solace, which alone can reach 
the innermost recesses of the ailing heart, and 
which none can hinder, except thyself — by heark- 
ening rather to thy own thoughts than to My 
whisperings. 

Thou shall also experience that which has been 
felt by thousands of faithful souls, that came hither 
in sorrow, and with an aching heart; and soon, re- 
freshed by the sweetness of the love of My Heart, 
went away their hearts dilated with bliss. 

If annoyed by temptations, if worn down by 
desolateness ; hasten hither, My Child. Behold ! 
My Heart invites and awaits thee thus tempted and 
rendered desolate. It will receive thee with glad- 
ness ; It will strengthen thee by Its own fortitude ; 
It will fill thee with the sweetness of Its unction. 

Shouldst thou even commit a fault, arise quickly, 
and run thou hither. Here thou shalt easily repair 
all: here thou shalt recover peace and joy of 
heart. 

if thou knewest, My Child, with how great a 
longing to console every one, My Heart watches 
here at all times, — consoling Itself whenever It 
comforts some one in his affliction ; — thou wouldst 
then understand whence it is, that none, in what 



CHAPTER XI. 



643 



trouble soever he may find himself, can come 
hither well-disposed to My Heart, without receiving 
consolation. 

4. For, in the sacred Tabernacle, thou now pos- 
sessest Me, the same Saviour, that, whilom, when 
I lived a mortal life, comforted all : the very same 
Heart, that, whilst placed in the manger, gave 
peace to the Shepherds, and filled the Magi with 
heavenly delight: that, in childhood rejoiced them 
that came to Me : that, throughout life, was the 
refuge and solace of all. 

Thou knowest. My Child, how all the sick and 
the weak, the blind and the lame, the deaf and the 
dumb, the wretched and the disconsolate were wont 
to appeal to My Heart, and implore Its compassion 
and help. 

Was ever one of these disappointed in his hope, 
by what suffering soever he was bowed down ; at 
what time soever of the day or of the night he 
came to me ? 

Did not every one, in whatsoever hour he had 
recourse to the goodness of My Heart, go away 
more consoled than he had dared to hope? 

And, My Child, all these wonders, all these con- 
solations, My Heart does here ceaselessly renew ; 
but in a manner all the more perfect and useful, 
the more spiritual it is, and the better adapted to 
everlasting life. 

There, indeed, It healed the diseases of the body : 



644 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



here It cures the ailments, the infirmities and mise- 
ries of the soul. 

There It freed them that were possessed by the 
devil, or tormented by him ; here It does more, 
since It guards the faithful against the demon. 

There It cleansed those afflicted with leprosy : 
here It purifies souls, and makes them clean and 
whiter than snow. 

There, by a miracle, It sated thousands of men 
with a natural food : here It nourishes all the faith- 
ful with the Bread of Angels. 

There It restored the dead to life : here, what is 
better beyond comparison, It preserves souls from 
death. 

And as then My Heart, full of compassion, mercy, 
goodness, was accessible to all ; so now It is open 
to every one, even to the most wretched and af- 
flicted. 

Believe not, My Child, even should a spirit sug- 
gest the thought, that My Heart does now possess 
a different feeling, either in respect to God, or with 
regard to men. 

Take heed lest thou deem My Heart, that abides 
here to comfort thee, different from My Heart, that 
erewhile, in Its mortal life, so marvelously, so 
sweetly relieved men, and filled them with every 
consolation. For every spirit, that thus severs or 
divides My Heart, is not of God. 

6. Dilate thy heart, My Child, and understand, 
as much as thou art able, what comfort, here, as 



CHAPTER XI. 



645 



from a perennial fountain, flows down upon thee 
from My Heart. 

Behold all the consolations, admirable and de- 
lightful, — which, during Its mortal life, It imparted 
to many and various persons, — It bestows in Its 
Sacramental life upon thee alone. 

How much happier, then, art thou, than they 
that were living at the time of My mortal life ! 
Neither did these, like thyself, uninterruptedly en- 
joy My presence : neither were they in the same 
manner, as thou, possessed of Me : nor, lastly, did 
they receive or enjoy Me, as thyself, Child of 
My Heart. 

Lo, then, to what a degree My Heart favors thee. 
In every necessity, therefore, in every difficulty, 
whether interior or exterior, do thou fly hither. 
Here, if thou art guilty, thou shalt obtain pardon ; 
if sick, healing ; if down-hearted, courage and for- 
tiiude; if afflicted, relief and help; if in danger, 
protection and safety ; a remedy for all miseries ; 
always a true and sanctifying consoUtion. 

7. The voice of the Disciple. — Jesus, my love ! 
how delightful are the designs of Thy Heart, 
whereby, to soothe the bitterness of this life, Thou 
journeyest, in some manner, with me in my ban- 
ishment, nay, changest my very exile into a Para- 
dise ! 

Shall I speak, Lord, or be silent about what I 
conceive of the exceeding love of Thy Heart for us 
men ? Yet, for the glory of Thy Heart, I will not 



646 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



be silent : Thus, Jesus ! thus Thou didst nowhere 
deal with the Angels themselves ; thus Thou never 
gavest Thyself to them to enjoy ! 

my Jesus! infinite sweetness, how immensely 
hast Thou loved me ! how givest Thou Thyself to 
me ! how dost Thou wholly become my consolation ! 

Whence, most loving God, so great a goodness 
toward an ungrateful Child, not worthy of the 
name of Child ! 

Thus, ineffable love ! Thou displayest the 
greatness of Thy goodness, since Thou regardest not 
Thy Majesty and my abjectness, but kindly follow- 
est the goodness of Thy Heart, moved by my in- 
digence and Thy charity. 

8. Lord Jesus, Father of mercies, and God of 
all consolation ! with how great a gladness do I 
come to Thee, full of courage and confidence in 
Thy pure goodness ! 

Many, indeed, and great are my miseries: yet, 
confidingly and cheerfully do I draw nigh, attracted 
by the sweetness of Thy love. 

For now I know that, although Thou art incapa- 
ble of pain, Thou art not without feeling ; that, al- 
though my sorrows do not cause Thee any suffer- 
ing, Thou art not indifferent to them. 

Now I understand, that Thou art able and will- 
ing to feel compassion for my infirmities ; and that 
my great and numerous miseries are the objects of 
Thy infinite mercy. 

If, hitherto, I languished miserable and disconso- 



CHAPTER XIT. 



G47 



late, I myself was in fault ; because I neglected to 
come to the ever-open source of mercy and comfort. 

Bur, henceforth, whenever I shall he afflicted, I 
will arise and go to this fountain of all blessings, 
where I shall find more remedies than I need ; 
where I shall have greater consolations than I can 
contain in my heart. 



CHAPTER XII. 

THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS, IN ITS SACRA- 
MENTAL, AS FORMERLY IN ITS MORTAL LIFE, 
WHILST INSTRUCTING MEN, DOES NOT CEASE TO 
TEACH THAT HE IS MEEK AND HUMBLE. 

1. The voice of Jesus. — Come ye, sons of men, and 
give ear. 

Behold how I am here with you all days ! here 
at all times, here learn ye of Me, how meek and 
humble of Heart I am. 

Marvelous, indeed, did the humility of My Heart 
and Its charity appear during Its mortal life : yet, 
here, in My Sacramental life, far more admirable is 
the abyss of Its humility, the excess of Its charity. 

This whole mystery is humility, all charity. 
Here not only is My Divinity, but even My Hu- 
manity, hidden from the sight of mortals. Here is 



648 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



charity, not unto death only, not unto the end of 
the world, but unto every excess of love. 

What eye has seen, what ear has heard, what 
heart has conceived, to how great a degree the hu- 
mility of My Heart does here descend, to what ex- 
tent love is exceeding? 

2. If thou art astonished, My Child, if thou art 
enraptured at the excess of love, whereby, whilom, 
during My mortal life, I showed Myself meek and 
humble of Heart : what must be thy sentiments, 
when thou considerest attentively, how meek and 
humble of Heart I am now, in My Sacramental 
life! 

So long as I was seen on earth and dwelled with 
men ; at no time, in no place, did I cease to exhibit 
to all and every one the true and efficacious humil- 
ity and meekness of My Heart. 

Recall to mind, My Child, with how great a hu- 
mility and charity of Heart I was wont to treat My 
Disciples; the ignorant and unmannerly people; 
the unhappy and the distressed ; the wretched sin- 
ners ; finally, My enemies themselves. 

What was ever able to obstruct or check the 
fountain of this humble and exhaustless charity ? 
Neither the faults, nor the ignorance, nor the im- 
portunateness, nor the obstinacy, nor the abject- 
ness, nor the perverseness itself of men. Naught 
of all this could ever make Me show Myself, even 
toward one mortal, otherwise than meek and hum- 
ble of Heart. 



CHAPTER XII. 



649 



Witness all the people so hard to please ; wit- 
ness the Heathen, who, attracted by the sweetness 
of My Heart, came running toward Me, saying : 
"We wish to see Jesus:" witness the woman of 
Canaan, and all the disconsolate : witness the Mag- 
dalen, and every sin-laden soul that had recourse 
to Me : witness the Pharisees, men that persecuted 
Me unto death. All these bear witness to the deeds 
of My meek and humble Heart, during My mortal 
life. 

3. But behold ! Child, in My Sacramental life, I 
continue such deeds : yea, amid these, I show 
Myself meek and humble of Heart in a more sweet 
and marvelous manner. 

For consider, how men here deport themselves 
toward Me, not only with rudeness and irreverence, 
but even with contempt ; and see how I endure this 
behavior. 

Consider, how many souls, cherished by Me in a 
special manner, when presented with a small share 
of My cross, — a most precious pledge of My love, — 
bring and return to Me here, instead of praise 
and love, complaints and repinings : and observe, 
with how great a goodness of Heart, I do not only 
endure them, but encourage and stimulate them to 
better sentiments. 

Consider, how many ungrateful souls, laden with 
My favors, depart hence, and, whilst they enjoy 
My benefactions, forget and slight Me, their Bene- 
factor : how many others, who, after having abused 
55 



650 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



the graces I have already so often bestowed upon 
them, present themselves without shame before Me, 
and clamor for new favors : and see, with how 
great a meekness I bear with them, with what gen- 
erosity I suffer them, with how gentle, and, at the 
same time, how firm a charity, I excite and help 
them to faithfulness and fervor. 

Consider, how the wicked make use of My very 
gifts and favors to oppose, to offend Me, to wound 
My very Heart : and watch, with what disposition 
of Heart I do not return them evil for evil, but 
overcome evil with good. 

Consider, in fine, how often the enemies, the per- 
secutors of My Heart, come hither to insult Me : 
and with how divine a charity of My humble 
Heart, I receive even them into My presence, and 
offer them mercy, and pardon, and peace. 

Thus, My Child, at every hour, at every moment 
of the day, and of the night, in season and out of 
season, the good and the wicked, the grateful and 
the thankless, friends and enemies, all come and 
go, and each one behaves toward Me according to 
his disposition : but, see, by the light of faith, how 
I deal with all and every one ; with how lowly, un- 
wearied, exhaustless a benignity and sweetness of 
charity ! 

4. These wonders of the love of My Heart, thou 
canst not understand, My Child, unless thou look- 
est at them with a lively faith, and meditatest 
thereon with a devoted heart. 



CHAPTER XII. 



651 



For the depth of the humility, which My Heart 
does here practice, must be gazed upon with the 
light from above, must be entered into by pious 
meditation, must be learnt in silence by prayer. 

And the sweetness of the charity, which My 
Heart here displays, must be sought in like man- 
ner, must be relished by making use thereof, must 
be tasted by experience. 

Look, My Child, and see in what manner thou 
hast hitherto done all this : how thou hast until 
now profited by this continued example of My 
Heart. 

Cheer up, and renew thy courage, learn by deed 
and in truth, what I cease not to teach here, that I 
am meek and humble of Heart. 

5. The voice of the Disciple. — How good, O 
Jesus ! how good Thou art ! who, to teach all gen- 
erations the more gently and the more efficaciously 
Thy Spirit, abidest so humble, so meek, in this 
most sweet mystery ! 

Here truly and supremely humble and meek of 
Heart, Thou alone art the teacher of humility 
and charity, doing and teaching from generation to 
generation. 

Yea, all things that surround Thee, cease not to 
proclaim, that Thou art meek and humble of 
Heart. 

The deep and tranquil solitude wherein Thou art 
hidden, proclaims it: the solemn silence, in which 
ihe prostrate and enraptured Angels adore Thee, 



652 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



proclaims it : the tender devotedness of the pious 
faithful proclaims, how meek and humble of Heart 
Thou art, Lord. 

Jesus! who can still be proud? who can still 
be hard-hearted ? Can there be any one that does 
not rejoice to humble himself? Can there be any 
one that does not burn with love ? 

Alas, Lord ! what faith, what hope, what 
love have they, that do not yield to Thee here ? 
souls full of pride and bitterness ! in the midst 
of you there stands one whom ye know not, whom 
ye heed not. 

6. Attend thou, my soul, and learn, who thy be- 
loved is, how sweet, how wholly desirable, how 
wholly worthy of love. 

Enter into the place of the marvelous Taber- 
nacle, even into the abode of thy divine Saviour : 
and contemplate the God of Majesty, the Maker 
of heaven and earth, the Joy of the Saints and 
Angels, thus humbled for love of thee, — thus made 
a captive by love for thee ! 

Here learn to humble thyself through love : 
here learn to cherish in purity thy Bridegroom, 
who loves with so wonderful a purity. 

Hearken thou, to what so great and so admirable 
an example of His, speaks within thee to thy 
heart; be thou attentive to Him, who teaches thee 
so gently by His own example, and confirms so 
powerfully His teaching by unceasing miracles. 

7. prodigy of humility, Jesus, Son of the 



CHAPTER XII. 



653 



living God ! miracle of love ! I love Thee, I 
cherish Thee, with my whole heart; Thou my 
meek and humble Beloved, most sweet and most 
pure Bridegroom of my soul ! 

Thee alone I desire to love, to cherish ; farewell 
to all beside : Thy love alone I desire : for the sole 
love of Thee, I long to live and die amidst sacri- 
fices, the practices and proofs of love. 

For, the example of Thy Heart has taught me 
these things : the unction of Thy love has rendered 
them pleasant to me. 

Jesus, of all the most boui*>iful ! preserve 
Thou this disposition of my heart: and kindly 
grant that, by approaching Thee here frequently, I 
may ever learn better to love Thee purely, and, for 
love of Thee, to show myself toward all meak and 
humble of heart. 



054 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



CHAPTER XIII. 

THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS WILLED, THAT 
THE MOST HOLY EUCHARIST SHOULD BE AN EN- 
DURING REMEMBRANCE OP HIS PASSION, AND AN 
EVERLASTING MEMORIAL OF HIS LOVE DIS- 
PLAYED THEREIN. 

1; The voice of Jems. — As often as ye shall eat 
tills Bread, and drink the chalice ; ye shall pro- 
claim the death of the Lord, until He come. 

This I enjoin, My Child, to remind all men of 
that excess of the love of My Heart, whereby I 
loved them, in some manner, more than Myself ; 
since I suffered death in order that they might 
have life. 

I glory in that death, whereby, whilst the love 
of My Heart triumphed, the Eternal Father was 
appeased and exceedingly honored ; whereby men 
were set free and saved ; whence arose for Me the 
glory of the Resurrection, and Ascension, and of 
My everlasting reign over all things. 

And, therefore, I willed that there should be, 
always and everywhere, a remembrance of My 
Passion ; and that they who reaped the fruits 
thereof, whether in heaven or on earth, should 
ever thankfully remember so great a condescen- 
sion. 

2. And, assuredly, in their heavenly bliss, the 



CHAPTER XIII. 



655 



Elect are ever mindful of My Passion, knowing 
that to the same they owe their salvation and glory: 
and they worship forever the Lamb of Grod, as it 
were slain, having five wounds, more splendid and 
dazzling than the sun. 

On earth, the Church, — acknowledging that she 
was brought forth by My Heart when It expired 
upon the holy Mountain, and that, from that same 
fountain, all good things flow down upon her, — does 
not cease to commemorate with every feeling of 
gratitude My death, all days, until I come to take 
her up with Me into glory. For the Sacrifice 
which she offers daily, has Me present as the Vic- 
tim, and, by the separate Consecration of the Body 
and Blood, exhibits Me as it were dead. 

Besides, in every soul that partakes of the most 
Blessed Sacrament, there is made some representa- 
tion and commemoration of My death. For, as 
upon the bed of the Cross, through the Passion, I 
lost My mortal life, so, through Communion, I 
lose My Sacramental life in the heart of the 
faithful. 

Nay more, My Child, the state itself wherein I 
here continue, is a certain image of My Passion. 
For, in My Passion, the splendor of My Divinity, 
and the very beauty of My Humanity was in some 
manner vailed : and are not the lowly and gentle 
species of the Sacrament an evident representation 
of this vailing ? 

3. The Sacrifice of the life of My Heart, My 



656 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



death, is the centre of time. Whatever had gone 
before, sacrifices, ceremonies, and everything else 
belonging to Religion, had reference to it: thence 
they derived all their power and efficaciousness. 

In like manner, whatever follows it, Oblation, 
Sacraments, and the rest, all have relation to the 
same, and possess thence their virtue and efficacy. 

JSehold, then, the Sacrifice offered up from the 
beginning of "the world in types, upon the cross in 
truth, continued, substantially, in the Church even 
to the end of ages. 

Such, My Child, is the unfathomableness of the 
designs of My Heart : such is the extent of My 
love ! 

Hence, My whole career on this earth, from the 
beginning even to the end of the world, whether 
through My promised presence, My mortal life, or 
My Sacramental abiding, and whatsoever I effect 
by these means, is one whole, one perfect work of 
infinite Groodness ; to be completed only then, when, 
at the end of time, with the Church, I shall mount 
on high, to enjoy an everlasting triumph. 

4. What wonder, then, My Child, if the mystery 
appears to thee ever new, ever equally worthy 
of veneration, when thou receivest the holy Com- 
munion, when thou nearest or celebratest the holy 
Mass ? 

For, when thou receivest the holy Eucharist, 
thou shouldst ever be present with the same dispo- 
sition of heart, with the same affection, as if thou 



CHAPTER. XIII. 



657 



wert at the last Supper, and didst sit down to the 
same, to receive from Myself the Bread of life. 

It is in reality the same Supper : and the same 
death, that I foreshowed in the Supper-room, 
thou showest in the Sacrament. 

By the action itself, Child, when thou celebratest 
Mass, or takest the holy Communion, thou pro- 
claimest My death ; since the manner of either, as 
well of the offering of the Sacrifice, as the consu- 
ming of the Sacrament, proclaims the same death. 

5. But when thou art engaged in mysteries so 
great, which My Heart by Its death merited for 
thee, thou must also, On thy part, do that, whereby 
thou mayst be enabled to commemorate it in an ap- 
propriate manner. 

As, therefore, in My Passion, I offered Myself 
to Grod the Father for a perfect holocaust; so thou 
also shouldst offer thyself to Me in holy Commu- 
nion as a clean and entire victim. 

Yea, even whilst visiting Me, it is proper that, 
with great feeling of piety, thou do commemorate 
the sacrifices of My once suffering life : which 
thou wilt do, if thou meditatest with devotedness, 
if thou resignest thyself to Me in every affliction ; 
if thou givest thyself wholly to Me, in the presence 
of the sacred Tabernacle ; where all thou perceiv- 
est around thee serves to put thee in mind of those 
sacrificings of My Heart. 

Thus, Child, thou wilt better feel the greatness 
of that charity, whereby, from a life of labor and 



658 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



sorrow, I advanced through many and great sacri- 
fices, to that last and supreme sacrifice, even to 
death, and to this captivity of love, wherein I con- 
tinue an abiding Victim of love. 

By affectionately calling this to mind, wilt thou 
not be excited to gratefulness, to a requital of love, 
to imitation; so as to show forth 'n thyself the 
effect of My example, not only in thy heart but 
also in thy works ? 

Thus, whilst, in a practical manner, thou com- 
memoratest My Passion more profitably to thy- 
self, thou wilt learn not to be cast down or troubled 
by humiliations; but rather, in a supernatural man- 
ner, to glory and rejoice therein. 

This active remembrance ©f My death will be 
perfect, My Child, if as often as thou approachest 
the sacred mysteries, thou dost ever more and more 
die to thyself and to creatures, in order that thou 
mayst live for Me, as I, after having died for thee, 
here live for thee. 

6. But alas ! although there are many who wish 
to be refreshed by this heavenly food, and to be 
thence replenished with the delights of the Angels ; 
how few there are willing actively to recall My 
Passion, to imitate it in practice ! 

Therefore also, My Child, many are and continue 
ever the same, ever imperfect, although they do not 
uufrequently approach the sacred Table. 

For, since they do not correspond to the end of 



CHAPTER XIII. 



659 



its divine institution and to grace granted therein, 
they remain deprived of much fruit. 

Would that this were understood by those souls, 
that are more anxious about the number of their 
Communions, whereby they may show or feel devo- 
tion, than about the fruit of them, whereby they 
may be sanctified and raised to greater perfection ! 

Thou, Child, be thou wiser and more faithful. 
So recall My Passion, so express My death in thy 
conduct, that, whenever thou receivest the holy 
Communion, thou dost always obtain its fruits of 
sanctification. 

7. The voice of the Disciple. — most bountiful, 
most sweet Jesus ! Thou didst die for love of me, 
and here livest for me by love : and Oh ! how dost 
Thou here live for me ! 

Truly, Lord, truly he deserves death, who re- 
fuses to- die to self, that he may live for Thee. 

If Thou, Lord God, thus sacrificest Thyself for 
love of me, how is it anything great, how is it won- 
derful, if I, wretched creature, sacrifice myself for 
love of Thee ! 

And yet, I blush to say it, sometimes I hesitate 
to sacrifice, not myself, but a trifle, some pride, 
some aversion, or inclination of corrupt nature. 

Woe is me ! whilst in words I make profession 
of loving and following Thee, I show in my deeds, 
how little I cherish Thee, how far I am from a 
practical remembrance of Thy passion, from a true 
Imitation of Thy Heart. 



660 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



And can I complain or wonder, that my Commu- 
nions produce so little fruit for me? 

One Communion can make a person, that is well- 
disposed and co-operates with Thy grace, a Saint. 
And, after so many Communions, alas ! who and 
what am I ! 

I myself, Lord, I myself, I own it, am in 
fault : for in so many Communions I have received 
grace enough to sanctify a thousand souls ; but I 
have neglected to co-operate therewith. For I 
acted as if grace alone, without my co-operation, 
ought to sanctify me : and, meanwhile, I have con- 
tinued to live for nature, not for grace, for myself, 
not for Thee. 

I acknowledge that, in Thy sight, I have become 
unworthy of life, since, abusing Thy infinite love, 
I have neglected to live for Thee. 

But spare, Lord Jesus, spare, I beseech Thee, 
my past negligence, of which, for Thy love, I re- 
pent exceedingly. 

Henceforth, I will be more faithful : co-opera- 
ting with the grace of the Sacrament, I will die to 
the things of this world, to the ill-ordered inclina- 
tions of nature, that I may live for Thee. 

Assist me, most kind Jesus, that I may thus 
prove my love for Thee in deed, and may ever de- 
rive, from holy Communion, abundant fruit of 
sanctification. 



CHAPTER XIV. 



661 



CHAPTER XIV. 

THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS DISPLAYS IN 
THIS WONDERFUL SACRAMENT THE SUM AND 
SUBSTANCE OF ALL DIVINE MYSTERIES. 

1. The voice of Jesus. — Being merciful and gra- 
cious, the love of My Heart has made a remem- 
brance of Its wonderful works. 

This It has chiefly done in the Sacrament, where 
It has gathered together Its astounding prodigies, 
where It incloses even the profound mysteries of 
God. 

And because these things were done, not for the 
Angels but for men, it was proper that it should be 
under visible symbols, that, by the sight of things 
seen, they might be put in mind of the unseen, and 
that their sensitive heart might be worked upon by 
sensitive proofs of the divine love. 

Such things, therefore, did the love of My Heart 
do : and It saw that all It had done was exceed- 
ingly good, and It was delighted with Its works. 

All Its works are perfect and full of sweetness, 
whereby It has poured out, as it were, the riches 
of Its goodness toward men, in this mystery, — 
wherein the plentitude of the Divinity corporally 
dwells. 

2. Hence, My Child, this divine Sacrament pos- 
sesses, by concomitance, and ever recalls to the 



662 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



minds of the faithful, the sublimest of mysteries, 
that of the Trinity. 

For I and the Father are one : and he that sees 
Me, sees also the Father ; but where the Father 
and the Son are acknowledged, the love of the two, 
which is the Holy Ghost, is certainly not unknown. 

But to know this mystery the better, to love it 
the more, to adore it the more worthily, grace is 
here given to the faithful, that, aided and enlight- 
ened thereby, they may believe it more firmly, love 
it with purer affection, and venerate it with a more 
perfect worship. 

Guided by this light from above, and strengthened 
by this assistance, they proceed from one mystery 
to another. 

3. For behold ! the most sweet mystery of the 
Incarnation is also contained in the holy Eucharist, 
and extended in a marvelous manner. 

Indeed, what is the mystery of the Incarnation? 
The Vv r ord, and a Soul, and the Bod} 7 come together 
in one Person : and these three are one Jesus, the 
God-man. 

Now, in the most Blessed Sacrament, the Word, 
that is Eternal and God • the Soul, which was cre- 
ated when it was infused ; the Body, which, by the 
divine operation, was taken without blemish of the 
Immaculate Virgin ; these three abide : but they 
abide in the unity of Person. 

Moreover, here there is an extension of this mys- 
tery, marvelous and overflowing with every delight. 



CHAPTER XIV. 



663 



For 1, the same who, by the Incarnation, dwelled 
in the bosom of the Virgin, dwell by the Commu- 
nion in the heart of each one of the faithful com- 
municants. 

Astounding, indeed, and awe-inspiring is the 
depth and breadth of this mystery ; but it is all 
the more worthy of love, it should be relished with 
the more delight, devotion, and tenderness. 

4. Besides, all the mysteries, so full of consola- 
tion, of My whole life are also contained in this di- 
vine Sacrament. 

For although the time, when these began and 
took place, has passed away, yet, by reason of My 
personal presence, these continue in their effects 
and are present. 

Therefore, also, the Church ever views and cele- 
brates them as present : and, in meditating on them 
and commemorating them, she is ever animated with 
her first sentiments, ever burns with her first fervor. 

Look, on the other hand, at heresies and sects, 
which deny My perpetual presence in the Eucha- 
rist : how in them all things spiritual languish : 
how dead their ways as well as themselves, when 
they attempt to recall My actions by means of fes- 
tivals ! 

It is not so with My beloved, My holy Church. 
When the time returns, she hastens to the Cave of 
My Nativity ; there prostrate, she gazes upon Me, 
lying in the manger; she adores, rejoices, sheds 
tears — through tenderness of devotion. 



664 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



5. Here is the Bethlehem, where faithful souls 
find Me more sweetly and more easily, than they 
whom heaven called formerly to the Stable : where 
they enkindle their fervor, nourish their piety, 
sanctify themselves : where they pour out their 
hearts, and consecrate them to Me: where, in return, 
they are inebriated and rendered blissful with the 
sweetness of My love : where the Angels do not 
promise peace to men of good will, but where I 
Myself bestow it upon them with a lavish Heart. 

Here is the Sanctuary, wherein I am presented 
to God the Father, and devoted to the salvation of 
men ; wherein I so give Myself to the faithful, that 
they may not only take Me into their arms, like 
Simeon, and caress Me as did Anna, but receive Me 
into their very hearts, and enjoy Me intimately, by 
a favor granted neither to Simeon nor to the blessed 
Anna. 

Here is the exile of Egypt: a banishment, not, 
as formerly, of seven years, but of all ages : a ban- 
ishment, among men likewise given to idolatry, — 
who worship pleasures, riches, honors as their dei- 
ties : a banishment, wherein I am unknown, except 
to a few, and looked upon and slighted by many as 
a stranger. 

Here is the Temple, wherein I continue to be 
occupied in what concerns My Father : where, in 
the midst of the listening doctors, I utter My 
Spirit, instruct souls, communicate the hidden 
things of the spiritual life : where they that love 



CHAPTER XIV. 



665 



Me, seek Me, and, like Mary and Joseph, rejoic- 
ing find Me. 

Mere is Nazareth, where I lead a life hidden in 
God : where, being made subject, I am occupied in 
ceaseless actions, which do not indeed strike the 
senses of men, but excite the admiration of Angels: 
where, a pattern of the interior life, I live with in- 
terior souls in a manner known to them alone. 

6. Nay more, My Child, in this Sacrament are 
seen the mysteries of My Evangelical life. Behold 
here truly the field of My labors, the place of the 
well-doings of My Heart. 

For here I am the Saviour, who seek that which 
was lost; who, amid My labors, seat Myself near 
the Well ; where I give, from the fountain of My 
Heart, to every Samaritan — sverysoul that thirsts, 
the living water, which quenches the thirst for 
earthly things, and springs up into life everlasting ; 
who, when the labors of the day are over, pass the 
night in the prayer of God. 

Here I am the Good Shepherd: I go in search 
of the lost sheep, and, when found, I carry it, and 
warm it in My bosom : I love My flock and feed 
the same with My own substance : I guard all, 
watching over them with My Heart, by day and by 
night. 

Here I am the kind Father, who with gladness 
embrace My prodigal son, when he returns ; who, 
having clothed him with his first garment, restore 
and entertain him with a heavenly banquet : and 
56 



666 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



who, according to their capacity, share all things 
with My faithful children. 

Here I arn the divine Physician, since I soothe 
and alleviate, with the unction of My Heart, the 
sorrows of the suffering : since I cure the souls that 
are ill, healing every ailment and infirmity : since 
I do also take away the deformity caused by the 
sickness of sin, aud restore former beauty. 

Here I am a Teacher. For I teach by the whis- 
perings of My Heart, as well as by My example : 
Blessed are the poor in spirit : blessed the meek : 
blessed they that mourn for sin : blessed they that 
hunger and thirst after justice : blessed the merci- 
ful : blessed the clean of heart : blessed the peace- 
makers : blessed they that suffer persecution for 
justice's sake : blessed, in fine, they that do the 
divine Will; because they are My brethern and sis- 
ters, and co-heirs of the kingdom of heaven. 

Here I am a Friend, who style the faithful, that, 
by grace, lead a supernatural life, no more My ser- 
vants, but My friends : a Friend, such as there is 
none other, more sincere, more sweet, more faithful 
than all, in prosperity and in adversity, in life and 
in death : a Friend that under no circumstances is 
wanting, yea, accompanying and consoling even in 
eternity. 

Here I am the Bridegroom : yea, My Child ; the 
divine Bridegroom of virginal and chaste souls, 
whom I have chosen and espoused to Myself, that, 
always and everywhere, they may follow Me as My 



CHAPTER XIV. 



667 



companions ; them I here honor and enrich, and 
render blissful, in a manner which fills the very 
Angels with wonder, and yet is merely a prelude 
to that which I reserve for them in the kingdom of 
My glory. 

7. Here, lastly, are also the mysteries of the rest 
of My life. For, is not here the Supper-room, 
where I eat the Passover with My Disciples ; where 
I pour out My Heart to them ; where I leave them 
My peace ? 

Is not here Gethsemane, Jerusalem, the theatre 
of My sorrows ? Remember, Child, the Holy Week, 
how the faithful come hither, as to the spectacle of 
My Sufferings ; how they weep, as if before their 
eyes they beheld Me in suffering. 

Is not here, too, the mystery of the Resurrection ? 
See how the Church, when celebrating this solem- 
nity of solemnities, returns, as it were, with Me to 
life, and how, like other Mary's, at the first dawn, 
pious souls hasten to My glorious Sepulchre, and 
behold Me, by faith, in My glory • embrace Me, by 
hope, enjoy Me, by love. And is this not lawfully 
so? is it not rightly? is it not sacredly? for, here 
I am truly present with the same qualities, with 
which I rose again : with a heavenly beauty, with 
a glorious brightness, with an incomprehensible 
subtility, with a perfect impassibility, adorned and 
blissful with immortality. 

Thus, My Child, the Church accompanies Me 
through every mystery, puts on in each of them the 



6*68 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



feelings of My Heart, and celebrates each with 
similar affections. 

8. From the mysteries here celebrated before Me, 
the Church, mindful that I am reigning in the glory 
of heaven, gazes forward into eternity : she con- 
templates with rapture, she anticipates in affection, 
those most joyous mysteries of the life in heaven, 
those ever-enduring festivals prepared for her, pro- 
raised to her. 

Jesus ! she exclaims in her ardor, may that 
soon be for which I long so exceedingly, that, be- 
holding Thee with face unvailed, I may be blessed 
with the sight of Thy glory. 

Thus, Child, glows the Church, enkindled with 
the fire of My Heart here present : thus has she all 
things present to herself : thus is she filled with 
every consolation. 

Take the sun away out of this world ; what will 
this earth be, except a dark, cold, and dreary place ? 
In like manner, if My living and life-giving Heart, 
if My Sacramental presence were taken away from 
the Church, all the mysteries of Religion, now so 
full of splendor, so soul-stirring, so consoling, — 
how different should they then appear ! 

9. Taught by the example of thy holy Mother, 
apply thyself, My Child, to celebrate the festivals 
of Religion with the same feelings ; to recall to 
mind the mysteries which I display here in the 
Sacrament ; in fine, to draw for thyself, from all 
these sources, the plenitude of all graces. 



CHAPTER XIV. 



669 



For this end do thou animate the fervor of thy 
heart : a fervor, I say, not necessarily sensible, but 
vigorous with the liveliness of faith, the confidence 
of hope, the generosity of love. 

If thou art destitute of this fervor, thou wilt do 
everything without affection, without relish, with- 
out much fruit : that which enraptures fervent 
souls, stirs up the Angels themselves, will not affect, 
will not move thee. 

But this fervor thou wilt awaken and foster in 
thyself by prayer, by devout meditation, by pious 
reading, by mortifying and denying thyself in some 
things; and, especially, by frequently visiting this 
divine Sacrament, and by religiously partaking 
thereof: since here there is fire enough to inflame 
the whole world. 

6. The voice of the Disciple. — Lord Jesus ! 
how boundless are the excesses of the love of Thy 
Heart ! how many wonders dost Thou here present 
to me! how many good things! how sweet! how 
desirable ! 

What wonder if I am allured, if I am gently and 
powerfully drawn hither ! what wonder if here is 
the place of my heart's delights ! 

Here, amidst the Angels, I can find Thee in every 
mystery ; I can behold Thee in every condition of 
Thy life, as my necessities, my profit, or my com- 
fort may require. 

Yea, here I can now be with Thee and enjoy Thy 
favors; here again, if I lift myself up, I may con^ 



670 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



template Thee in Thy glory, view the wonders of 
Thy kingdom, and rejoice beforehand in what Thou 
hast there prepared for me. 

How easy, Beloved of my soul ! how easy and 
sweet it is, to meditate here, to occupy the mind 
and the heart with Thee here, to enjoy Thee here ! 
for this I need no skill, no book, no labor. Here, 
present before Thee, I need only gaze upon Thee 
by faith in every mystery, hearken to Thee, watch 
Thy actions, implore Thee, love Thee. 

how delightful is this place ! how lovely the 
company ! how sweet the employment ! how holy 
the intercourse ! 

Who does not wish to be here with Thee forever ? 
Here certainly I will be present at Thy feet, among 
the heavenly Spirits, as often as I can. 

that I could spend here all my time ! But 
Thy Will, which is my sole comfort, requires that 
I be often absent in person, that I comply with the 
obligations of my state, that I fulfill the duties of 
my office, that I provide for the needs of nature, 
that I even use an innocent relaxation. 

Yet, amidst all these, I will frequently turn in 
affection to Thee, I will occupy my heart with 
Thee : for wherever is the object of my love, thither 
also tends my heart : wheresoever my treasure is, 
there also will be my heart. 



CHAPTER XV. 



671 



CHAPTER XV. 



THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS, IN THE MOST 
BLESSED SACRAMENT OF THE EUCHARIST, LEADS 
US TO THE DIVINE PERFECTIONS. 

1. The voice of Jesus. — Attend, My Child, and 
here, in the Sacrament, I will show thee a still 
higher way, whereby thou inayst ascend in contem- 
plation even to the very perfections of the Deity. 

Be thou prepared, that thou mayst enter into the 
divine secrets, and that, with all the Saints, thou 
mayst contemplate the hight, and breadth, and 
depth of those oceans, whence in heaven the Angels 
and Blessed, and, on earth, pure and interior souls 
draw, and are inebriated. 

Behold what My Heart makes known to thee 
here in this most sacred mystery : and, following 
the divine Spirit, from what is here made known, 
go thou forward into the plenitude of things. 

But do all this in such a manner, My Child, that 
thou becomest more and more established in hu- 
mility, that thou ever glowest with a purer love, so 
that, being introduced by My sacred Humanity, by 
My Heart Itself, thou mayst cling — as forming but 
one and the same Spirit — to the Deity, as perfectly 
as thou art able. 

2. Look into, and ponder the divine Wisdom, 



672 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



which My Heart displays in this adorable Sacra- 
ment. 

Here It shows forth those marvelous inventions, 
whereby It reconciled those things which appeared 
contrary ; so that, at one and the same time, I 
should reign amidst glorious triumphs in heaven, 
and abide upon earth the everlasting Comforter of 
men ; whereby I might be enabled to give Myself 
not only to the human race, but to every individual 
as well : whereby, in fine, through the most simple 
means, such as those of the Sacramental species, I 
might obtain the most sublime ends. 

Hence do thou mount higher, and contemplate 
this infinite Wisdom, which reaches all things from 
eternity to eternity : which beholds all present, the 
past and the future, things existing and things pos- 
sible. 

This, by its eternal counsels, ordained, in a man- 
ner so marvelous, all the stupendous works of the 
Creation and Restoration, of nature and grace, of 
sanctification and glory. 

This divine perfection is like an infinite light, 
which penetrates all ; which completely surveys 
thee and thy whole interior ; from which thou canst 
not recede, which thou art unable to grasp. 

In this light do thou rejoice, My Child: herein 
live thou cheerfully for thy G-od. 

3. Observe the divine Goodness, which is made 
manifest in this most sweet Sacrament, and is 
resplendent with such flames of love. 



CHAPTER XV. 



673 



Nowhere on earth does the divine Goodness 
shine forth with so wonderful a profusion, with so 
great a sweetness : for here it does, as it were, pour 
out and exhaust itself : here it gives all things and 
itself over and above. Elsewhere, are the rays of 
divine love, here is its focus. Elsewhere, there 
are some good things, here is the fountain of them 
all. 

From this, proceed thou to the contemplation of 
this abyss of Goodness. Look into its depth, sur- 
vey eternity itself ; thou shalt find no bounds. 

From this infinite Goodness everything that is 
good, whether in heaven or on earth, derives its 
goodness : everything that lives, its life : every- 
thing that moves, its vigor: everything that under- 
stands, its intelligence: everything that is happy, 
its bliss. 

This divine attribute is, as it were, a boundless 
ocean, whence arises as a cloud, the plenitude of 
all things good : into which, while the Blessed and 
Elect are immersed, they rejoice in supreme de- 
light. 

My Child, plunge thyself also into the same: 
taste how sweet is the Goodness of thy God : 
therein do thou rejoice, love, praise. 

4. Behold the Almighty Power, which is re- 
vealed in the venerable mystery of the Eucharist ; 
in which alone it works more and greater wonders 
than in all the world beside : in which it ceases not 
to renew these astonishing prodigies. 
57 



674 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



After having reverently viewed these things, lift 
thyself up to a general contemplation of this stu- 
pendous Omnipotence ; which, without labor, at its 
mere pleasure, made all things that have existence : 
which produces countless and unutterable objects 
of every kind, all things, in short, if it only wills : 
which, again, by its simple nod, is able to destroy 
the whole world, and bring all things to naught. 

Contemplate the efficacy of this infinite Power ; 
which can overthrow all the attempts of its oppo- 
nents, and bring it to pass that all things warring 
against it, — not only those which are indifferent? 
but even such as are evil, — do, unconsciously, and 
even in spite of themselves, concur to its own holy 
ends. 

By this Omnipotence, not only are creatures pre- 
served in being, but they receive besides power to 
effect whatsoever they do : men receive the divine 
concurrence to use the faculties of body and soul : 
animals their efficiency : the stars their force of 
rolling and glittering in space: the earth its vigor 
to produce fruits : the winds and storms their might 
and impetuosity : in fine, all things their excel- 
lence. 

This divine perfection, in its manifestation, is 
like the atmosphere, which, when it is gently 
stirred, refreshes and invigorates the life of creat- 
ures : when it moves with violence, lays prostrate 
and scatters whatever opposes, but to whatever yields, 
gives a new impulse, and helps it to go forward. 



CHAPTER XV. 



675 



Rejoice, My Child, at so great a Power of thy 
God : place thy trust therein ; and, by prayer, 
have frequently recourse to the same. 

5. Consider the divine Justice, of which My 
Heart reminds thee in this most Blessed Sacra- 
ment. 

Behold ! My sacred Humanity, which is here 
present for thee, is the sign of the divine Justice ; 
for I assumed it, to make satisfaction to the same. 
And does not the Sacrifice, which My Heart here 
oflFers daily, through the ministry of the priests, 
put thee in mind of the divine Justice ? Nay 
more, do I not display an adorable Justice in the 
Communion, when I give there to every one accord- 
ing to his works, according to his disposition ? 

Contemplate thence the perfection of this divine 
Justice, whether in heaven, — whence it hurled, like 
lightning, the wickedly rebellious spirits ; and 
wherein it recompenses forever with a condign re- 
ward all, even the least, good deeds of the Angels 
and Saints : — or whether on earth, where, through 
My Heart, it is allied to the divine mercy, and 
reaches those only who are unwilling to embrace 
mercy ; where, also, when it is justly incensed, it is 
mindful of mercy : — or whether in hell, where, for 
My sake, it punishes below the full desert of the 
reprobate, and so adapts punishment to the number 
and grievousness of sins, that it forces the con- 
demned themselves to confess, that the divine Jus* 
tice is good. 



676 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



Consider the consolation of this divine attribute, 
which will one day justify, in the presence of all, 
them that are now oppressed by unmerited detrac- 
tion, by reproaches, or by calumnies ; and which 
will not only restore reputation, and honor, and 
glory, and whatsoever else has been taken away, 
but will exalt all things the more, the lower they 
have been depressed ; which will make good, by an 
ever-enduring reward, all deeds of virtue, even 
those which men slighted ; which, in fine, estimates 
and repays the merits of works, not according to 
their outward success, as does the world, but accord- 
ing to the inward disposition of him that performs 
them. 

This divine perfection is like fire, which, accord- 
ing as objects are disposed, by the same action, 
consumes these, cheers those ; hardens some, soft- 
ens others. 

Admire this attribute of the Deity, My Child ; 
exalt it with a holy fear ; but cherish it more. 

6. Direct thy mind to the divine Mercy, which 
My Heart displays in the most Holy Sacrament, in 
ways as sweet as they are wonderful. 

Is not this whole mystery a marvel of infinite 
Mercy ? Who is there alive, that does not endure 
misery ? but what unfortunate one has come hither 
with proper dispositions, and has not found mercy ? 
Boundless is here the kindness of My Heart, and 
there is no end to Its compassion. 

When thou hast devoutly meditated hereon, 



CHAPTER XV. 



677 



proceed to the consideration of the infinite Mercy 
visible everywhere : in heaven, which the divine 
Mercy fills with Saints, whom formerly it freed 
from sin and now crowns with bliss : on earth, 
where it hovers over all the works of God, and 
refreshes them by remedy, and assistance, and con- 
solation : finally, in hell itself, where, on account 
of the merits of My Heart, it punishes less than 
what is due, and is acknowledged by the reprobate 
themselves. 

Contemplate the vastness of this divine Mercy 
toward men ; which embraces all, excludes none, 
casts off nobody ; which waits for the very sinners so 
long as they live, and offers them grace sufficient 
for their conversion and pardon ; which, in fine, 
extends itself to all miseries of whatsoever kind, 
and finds naught in this world, how wretched 
soever it may be, which it is not willing to relieve, 
and, in a direct or indirect manner, to turn into a 
means of salvation. 

Behold a divine perfection, like an infinite 
abyss, which no magnitude of miseries cast into it, 
can fill up; which no multiplicity of necessities 
which draw therefrom, can exhaust. 

Use thou, My Child, but do not abuse so sweet 
an attribute of thy God: widen thy heart: be 
thankful : fly to this abyss of mercy with faith, 
with hope, with love. 

7. Observe the Sanctity which shines forth in 



678 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



this Holy of Holies ; which by its splendor throws 
the Angels themselves into an ecstasy. 

With deep piety look thou into this Sacrament, 
the mirror of the divine Sanctity. Here, every- 
thing is perfect purity : here, My Body is itself as 
a Spirit : here, all breathes holiness. 

Hence, thou mayst contemplate infinite Sanc- 
tity, which, absolutely perfect in itself, is the cause, 
the standard, the end of all created holiness, of all 
purity, of all beauty ; which is such, that nothing 
can be added thereto, nothing be taken therefrom. 

Gaze upon this divine perfection ; captivated by 
the purest beauty of which, the inhabitants of 
heaven are overspread with a beatific joy : by the 
similitude of which, when the souls of mortals are 
adorned, they become supremely ennobled: on 
account of the majesty of which, the demons 
tremble even in the lowest hell. 

From the brightness of this perfection, whatso- 
ever is beautiful, whatsoever is lovely, whatsoever 
is excellent, borrows its every beauty, its every love- 
liness, its every excellence. 

This divine attribute is like the sun in the firma- 
ment ; which imparts to objects the brightness of 
color, elegance, cheerfulness : which, shining upon 
things clean and unclean, is ever equally pure, ever 
equally beautiful. 

Hejoice thou, My Child, at so great a beauty and 
loveliness ; so great and varied an excellence of the 



CHAPTER XV. 



679 



sanctity of thy God : affectionately revere the same : 
imitate it according to thy ability. 

8. Behold the divine Immensity, which this Sa- 
crament of My Heart represents. 

For here I am wholly in the whole Consecrated 
Host, and wholly in every particle of the Host 
when divided. And, by the multiplication or rep- 
lication of My presence in all the Hosts, all over 
the earth, do I not display a certain representation 
of immensity? Finally, in every place, where I 
abide sacramentally, do I not so deal with each one, 
as if I there abode for him alone ? 

By conceiving these things with a lively faith, 
thou wilt assuredly be led to the contemplation of 
the divine immensity, which contains all things, 
whether existing or whether merely possible, and is 
contained by none : whereby the Deity is wholly 
in the whole universe, and wholly in every part of 
the universe. 

Contemplate this universal presence of the Di- 
vinity, together with His infinite Yv^isdom, and 
Goodness, and Power, and Justice, and Mercy, and 
Sanctity, and infinite Perfection of every kind : and 
remember that in Him thou art, thou livest, thou 
movest. 

Whithersoever thou mayst turn thyself, thou 
perceivest the Deity present in every object, and so 
caring for the same, as if He were there for it alone. 
Behold the birds of the air : they neither sow nor 
reap, and yet He that is present everywhere, feeds 



680 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



them. Consider the lilies of the field: they labor 
not, neither do they spin ; and yet. not even Solo- 
mon in all his glory was arrayed as one of these. 

To this divine Providence, therefore, do thou in- 
trust thyself : rest thou in the same, as in the bosom 
of a Father supremely perfect : abandon thyself 
wholly to Him, for He has a care of thee. Behold 
the very hairs of thy head are all numbered, 
neither does one fall without His Will. Fear not 
then, neither be thou troubled, nor uneasy : but 
live resigned to Him, and blissful in Him. 

9. The voice of the Disciple. — Truly full of con- 
solation is all this, Lord God, but how sublime ! 
Of my own accord, I neither dare nor can essay 
things so exalted. 

If, however, Thy divine Spirit guide me, reve- 
rently indeed and conscious of my own weakness, 
I will follow Thee with joy and security, and hav- 
ing entered, through Thy most sacred Humanity, 
into the wonderful works of the Divinity, I will 
contemplate the things which surpass all under- 
standing. 

Send, therefore, I beseech Thee, Thy Holy Spirit, 
to lead me so far into this contemplation, as Thou 
wilt kindly deem it conducive to my sanctification 
and Thy glory. 

G-rant me, I humbly implore Thee, this divine 
Spirit, with His seven-fold gifts, that He may guide 
me both in contemplation and in action. 

The Spirit of wisdom, who may so dispose me 



CHAPTER XV. 



081 



wholly, that I do find all things of earth distasteful, 
and those of God full of delight ; that I do rightly 
judge and feel concerning all ; that I seek with 
affection after whatsoever serves for my sanctifi- 
cation. 

The Spirit of understanding, to remove and dis- 
perse darkness of mind, illusions of heart ; that, 
with a calm mind and clean heart, I may view all 
that infinite Goodness has made, things seen and 
unseen; and that I may ever understand what the 
divine Will, infinitely good, requires of me. 

The Spirit of counsel, to remind me ever of my 
own weakness, — whereby I am unable to do aught 
for my salvation, — and to induce me efficaciously to 
have recourse to the help of divine Omnipotence, 
by whose aid I can do all things. 

The Spirit of fortitude, that He may move me 
to exert all my strength, to co-operate faithfully 
with the help of divine grace ; that thus I may, by 
generous efforts, aspire after perfect justice, without 
caring for the judgments of men, regarding Thee 
alone, the just Judge. 

The Spirit of knowledge, that He may teach me 
discernment, whereby I may, practically, distinguish 
between things natural and supernatural ; so that 
my every prayer and action may always begin from 
Thee, and be perfected through Thee ; and whereby 
I may so devote myself to praying and acting, that, 
for the sweetness of contemplation, I do neither 
neglect the works of corporal and spiritual mercy 



682 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



toward my neighbor, nor, for the sake of works of 
mercy toward others, overlook mercy toward my 
own soul. 

The Spirit of piety, who, by fostering in me a 
tender devotion, may stimulate me gently and 
strongly to holiness ; and may cause me to conduct 
myself as a compassionate parent toward inferiors, 
as an affectionate brother toward equals, as a du- 
tiful son toward Superiors. 

The Spirit of a loving fear, of a filial, pure love ; 
whereby I may, everywhere, supremely revere Thee, 
my Grod, and joyfully fulfill, with a holy affection, 
Thy every Will. 



CHAPTER XVI. 

HOW GREAT A REVERENCE, BOTH OUTWARD AND 
INWARD, THE HEART OF JESUS WILLS US TO 
HAVE FOR THE MOST BLESSED SACRAMENT. 

1. The voice of Jesus. — My Child, if the heavens 
were thrown open before thee, and if thy eyes be- 
held there My glory; how thou wouldst be affected 
by this sight ! how thou wouldst tremble with holy 
awe ! with what reverence thou wouldst fall pros- 
trate ! 

For, before My throne, sending forth the splen- 
dors of glory, like blazing flames and lightnings, 
thou shouldst behold thousands of thousands of 



CHAPTER XVI. 



683 



Angels praising Me with all veneration ; and, stand- 
ing around the throne, ten thousand times a hun- 
dred thousand ministering to Me. 

Thou shouldst, also, behold the mighty throng 
of Saints, whom thou couldst not count, falling 
upon their faces in sight of the throne, adoring, and 
melting with love. 

Thou shouldst behold how everything is aglow 
in My presence : at one time thou shouldst perceive 
how, by reason of the greatness of the all-pervading 
reverence, there reigns a deep silence throughout 
heaven ; at another, how the whole place resounds 
with the voice of its inhabitants, bursting forth and 
singing in unison : Amen : blessing, and glory, and 
wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honor, and power, 
and strength, to our God forever and ever. 

Now, My Child, I the same, who in heaven am 
worshiped with such a manifestation of honor and 
praise, am here present in the most Blessed Sacra- 
ment, surrounded by a multitude of heavenly 
Spirits. 

See, therefore, and consider, how mortals ought 
to conduct themselves toward Me. If the very pil- 
lars of heaven tremble with awe, what should the 
dust of the earth do ? 

2. Here, I desire reverence, here I claim honor, 
here I exact due worship. 

By the free choice of My Heart, I was born in a 
Stable, and I so passed My mortal life, that I had 
not where to recline My head ; but, when I was 



684 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



about to institute this most Holy Sacrament, I or- 
dered to be prepared a large Supper-room furnished, 
to show how much I wished to be respected and 
honored, and worshiped in My Sacramental life. 

Taught by this, the Church has ever loved the 
beauty of My house, and erected, to the best of her 
power, magnificent temples : she has called to her 
aid nature, that by richness, and art, that by genius, 
they might adorn My chosen dwelling-places : ever 
full of solicitude, she has taken care that, accord- 
ing to the desire of My Heart, she may honor Me 
every way in this most august mystery, and thus 
testify her own love for Me. 

If thou lovest Me, My Child ; yea, if thou hast 
faith, and by its supernal light, viewest My Ma- 
jesty here vailed, and all that visibly and invisibly 
surrounds Me, thou wilt surely ever exhibit here 
supreme reverence. 

Thou wilt not here appear before Me among the 
Angels, except inwardly and outwardly full of re- 
collection and veneration ; thou wilt show interi- 
orly and exteriorly naught save piety and devoted- 
ness, reverential awe and love. 

3. The voice of the Disciple. — Truly, Lord 
Jesus, Thou, the love and beatitude of all the An- 
gels and Saints! truly, Thou art here to be wor- 
shiped with every regard, with every sanctity of 
love. Holiness becomes Thy very Tabernacle, Thy 
very house. 

For Thou art the Holy of Holies, and dwellest 



CHAPTER XVI. 



685 



in Holiness, where the Angelic Spirits themselves 
appear trembling with awe, and admire the unap- 
proachable splendors of sanctity. 

How, then, shall a mortal man, if he considers 
Thy infinite Majesty, and his own utter unworthi- 
ness, dare to present himself before Thee? 

Assuredly, didst Thou Thyself not invite me to 
draw near, and did not the well-known goodness of 
Thy Heart calm the vehemence of my dread ; fright- 
ened, I would depart from Thee, because lama 
sinful person ; neither should I dare to come to 
Thee, lest, perhaps, I might be guilty of Thy of- 
fended Majesty. 

But behold ! that very kindness of Thy Heart, 
which calls on me so mercifully, and breathes con- 
fidence into me with so fatherly an affection, is a 
new cause for reverence. 

For if, through want of reverence, I misuse this 
grace, I become the more guilty, since I am bad, 
because Thou art good. 

4. Christ Jesus, my God, All-knowing and 
All-powerful ! how awe-inspiring is this place, 
wherein Thou art truly present ! 

How shall I demean myself, in a manner worthy 
of Thy presence in this most Holy Sacrament; 
where all that I behold around me, warns me that 
the highest respect must be shown ! 

This ever-burning light tells me, that, through a 
lively faith, I should be mindful where, and in 
whose presence I am. 



686 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



The secluded Sanctuary warns me, that the place 
of Thy abode is holy with no ordinary sanctity. 

The lofty Tabernacle reminds me, how lowly 
and full of revential feeling, I ought to appear in 

Thy sight. 

The brightness of the sacred vessels teaches me, 
how great an inward and outward purity is re- 
quired. 

Every soul, here rapt in thought, busied with 
Thy love, admonishes me, with how great a devo- 
tion, with how tender an affection, it behooves me 
to deal with Thee. 

5. Jesus, God of all sanctity! Thou teachest 
me how perfect a reverence must here be shown 
to Thee ; since Thou art not willing that any one 
should be near to Thee here, or dwell beneath the 
same roof with Thee, except heavenly Spirits, and 
those angels of earth, religious persons and Thy 
priests ; who are to be so clean of heart, that they 
may deserve to see God, so chaste in body, that they 
may embrace purity itself! 

With what dispositions of body and soul ought 
I, therefore, to come hither, since I am associated 
with so pure, so holy a company ! 

If Daniel, if Tobias, if John, the beloved Disci- 
ple, if other Saints, in the presence of one Angel, 
were so struck with his aspect, and seized with so 
great a reverence, that they fell prostrate upon the 
ground ; with what sentiments should I be ani- 
mated here, where I am in the presence of so many 



CHAPTER XVI. 



687 



Angels; yea, even before Thyself, the Lord of all 
the Angels ! 

Surely, no unbefitting thought, no inferior affec- 
tion ought to occupy me here. Nay more, as often 
as I repair hither, I must not only keep myself free 
from every evil, but also honor Thee b} 7 holy acts 
of virtue. 

6. Of how great a wrath of Thy indignation, of 
how great a punishment of Thy justice should I be 
deserving, if, in Thy presence, I should busy my 
heart with unlawful thoughts or evil affections ; if 
thus I dared here to appear unholy among angelic 
Spirits, and insult Thee to Thy face with so great 
a disrespect, so offensive to Thy Heart ! 

did I but follow faith, I should doubtless 
neither suffer my thoughts to stray, nor my affec- 
tions to be poured out elsewhere, nor myself to be 
turned in any wise away from Thee, as if Thou, 
supreme bliss of all ! wert not sufficient for me, and 
worthy of my attention ! 

Lord God! I tremble when I think on the 
greatness of the irreverence whereof I render my- 
self guilty, when I appear to honor Thee with my 
lips, whilst my heart is far away from Thee, en- 
gaged with things which it either inordinately loves 
or fears, or with objects of dissipation, which it 
cares not to remove. 

Alas ! my very exterior proves by how great a 
distraction my heart is dissipated ; in how great * 



688 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



desolateness it languishes, even when here before 
Thee I partake of a heavenly fellowship. 

7. And yet, my outward deference ought not to 
be less than the inward; since Thou requirest 
equally the homage or the body and of the soul in 
this most august Sacrament, where Thou, my God, 
art Thyself present with Body and Soul. 

It is befitting, therefore, that the greatest mod- 
esty do here appear, and be made known to all 
men, because Thou, Lord, art so near. 

Here no idle word should find a place : no in- 
quisitive, no wandering look: no position, no mo- 
tion of the body in the least disrespectful. 

Jesus, life and sweetness of my soul ! although 
there is naught on earth, which delights me more, 
than the most Holy Sacrament of the love of Thy 
Heart ; there is, at the same time, naught that fills 
me more with dread. 

For, if I use it rightly and reverently, I find in 
it all things desirable. If, on the contrary, I use it 
wrongfully and irreverently, what dreadful evils do 
I draw upon myself! 

8. But, if I loved Thee sufficiently, if my 
heart were inflamed with that divine fire, with 
which Thy Heart is here burning, there would be 
no need of such an amount of reasons to induce me 
to exhibit to Thee a due regard. 

For, then I would not only most studiously avoid 
every irreverence, but I would demean myself be- 
fore Thee in that manner, which love alone under- 



CHAPTER XVI. 



689 



stands ; with that delicate attentiveness, which the 
purity alone of love can teach. 

Then, how sweet would it be for me to spend in 
Thy presence a happy and joyous time, rapt in love 
of Thee, forgetful of all beside ! 

Then, how eagerly would I desire, to visit Thee 
in Thy most lovely Tabernacle, and prove to Thee 
my love ! 

Then, with how holy and delicious a hunger and 
thirst would I be urged forward, to resort frequently 
to the heavenly banquet, which Thou hast here pre- 
pared with so great a sweetness ! 

9. Grant me, therefore, most loving and amiable 
Jesus; grant me love for Thee; a love which may 
soften and expand, my hard heart, and fill it with 
the unction of piety. 

Inflame me wholly with that love, wherewith the 
Angelic Spirits, and so many pure souls, are here 
burning in Thy presence, and whereby they honor 
Thee so perfectly. 

Lord ! have pity on me, and forgive me every 
negligence in Thy regard ; every distraction of 
mind, every dissipation of heart, whatsoever, in fine, 
I have done contrary to that reverence which is 
due to Thee : 

And kindly grant that, as Thy favors to me are 
ever increasing, and being heaped up, so also my 
love for Thee may be augmented and redoubled. 
58 



690 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



CHAPTER XVII. 

THAT WE SHOULD ENDEAVOR BY EVERY MEANS TO 
ATONE FOR THE INSULTS, WHICH ARE OFFERED 
TO THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS, IN THE 
SACRAMENT OF HIS LOVE. 

1. The voice of Jesus. — My Child, they repaid 
Me evil for good, and returned Me hatred for My 
love. 

Whatever is best and most precious in heaven, 
■whatever on earth is most useful and wholesome to 
men, whatever is most sacred and consoling in Re- 
ligion, I placed, by the disinterested generosity of 
My Heart, by the most pure love, in this Sacra- 
ment. 

Are not these things so great, My Child, that if 
the hearts of all should be consumed with love ; if 
the tongues of all mortals should together be em- 
ployed to return just thanks ; if the whole world 
should sacrifice itself as a victim of praise ; all this 
should be still so far from what is deserved, as 
things divine surpass those which are human, as 
the finite is below the infinite ? 

Heaven itself stands astounded at the boundless 
grandeur of this gift : and the Angelic Spirits ex- 
claim, in admiration : Behold our God ! behold the 
marvels He has wrought upon earth ! 

Thinkest thou, then, that, on earth, there can be 



CHAPTER XVII. 



691 



found a person, who is insensible or indifferent tc 
this gift of gifts ? 

And yet, My Child, there are souls without feel- 
ing, without affection, thankless creatures, that, so 
far from loving Me, the generous donor of a trea- 
sure of such blessings ; on the contrary, do use 
these very blessings to load My Heart with bitter 
insults . 

2. Behold! very many run whithersoever their 
interest or passion impels them ; but, in order to 
visit Me, they are unwilling to leave their house, 
or to turn ever so little aside from their way. 

So little do they esteem My gifts, so cold- 
hearted do they feel toward Me, that they are un- 
willing to undergo the least inconvenience of nature 
to come hither, to ask for the good things I have 
prepared, or to testify their love for Me, who, for 
love of them, came down from heaven through 
every inconvenience, and abide here for their sake. 

To how many can I truly say : So long a time 
have I been with you, and ye have not known 
Me ! 

To them I am as a stranger; and, as an alien, 
I am neglected by them. So little do they think 
of Me : so little do they care for Me ! 

3. And even among them that frequently resort 
to My Tabernacle, how many there are, who do in- 
deed come, but place an abomination in the holy 
place ! For, how many present themselves before 
My eyes, in My sacred temple as idols, to lead men 



692 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



astray from devotional love for Me, and to turn 
away their mind and attention toward themselves ! 

Not a few resolve in their mind things execrable, 
cherish in their heart things detestable ; and, by 
their will, commit sins in My very sight, thus 
shamefully insulting Me. 

How many, also, who by look, or gesture, or by 
their very dress sadden the Angels, and exasperate 
Me! 

How many there are who would rightly blush, to 
demean themselves toward a mortal with so much 
insolence, so much irreverence, as they here ex- 
hibit toward Me ! 

4. Nowhere, My Child, are more cruel affronts 
heaped upon Me, than in this divine mystery. 
Where abounds the goodness of My Heart, there 
also abounds the wickedness of men. 

For, how many heretics do impiously deny Me ! 
how many unbelievers do horribly blaspheme Me, 
whom they know not! 

But, My Child, although these things are most 
grievous, they are, however, less painful to My 
Heart, than the horrifying profanations of them 
that receive Me sacrilegiously through Communion. 

O how great an insult ! how abominable an at- 
tempt, when men, even the dispensers of My mys- 
teries, approach Me, whilst they possess the devil 
within themselves ; and, after sacrilegiously receiv- 
ing Me, cast Me, their God, at the feet of Satan, 
who sits enthroned in their heart. 



CHAPTER XVII. 693 

5. The voice of the Disciple.. — How long, 
Lord God, how long shall sinners do such things 
with impunity ? Arise, Thou All-powerful One, 
scatter those monsters ! place the sacrilegious 
wretches like stubble before the face of the raging 
fire : for this they have deserved. 

The voice of Jesus. — Not so, My Child, not so as 
yet, although they deserve, even at present, the ex- 
treme of punishment : I wish to show that the 
love of My Heart is greater than the malice of the 
heart of men. 

My mind, therefore, is disposed to give them 
still grace, that they may yet be able to save them- 
selves. For if, co-operating with the same, they 
reform, it will be the triumph, the joy, the exulta- 
tion of My Heart, at the salvation of these souls, 
for which I did not hesitate to lay down My life. 

And if they are unwilling to be converted, and 
to love Me in return, I have time sufficient to satisfy 
My justice, since everlasting ages are Mine. 

Meanwhile, Child, lo ! I will continue to bear 
those insults for love of thee, for the love of the 
Elect ; whom I love more than I am offended by 
sinners, and for whom I gladly continue to reside 
here. 

6. Thou, My Child, wilt not be insensible, I 
trust, to this singular excess of love, by which My 
Heart, during so many ages, endures such indigni- 
ties from the wicked, in order that It may bestow 



G04 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



upon thee all the good things, which It has stored 
up in this Sacrament. 

If thou lovest Me, thou wilt cheerfully do what- 
soever thou canst, to make amends for sacrifices so 
numerous and so great, which My Heart \i< e 
makes; and to repair My honor, which is here in- 
jured in so many unworthy ways. 

Indeed, it is one of the chief ends of the devo- 
tion to My Heart, to atone, so far as possible, for 
the insults which My Heart receives from every 
side in this most holy Sacrament. 

Do not believe thyself a true Disciple of My 
Heart, if thou dost not burn with zeal for Its 
honor. 

7. Here, then, before My Tabernacle, do thou 
frequently pour forth the ardent affections of thy 
heart, — affections of thankfulness, of generosity } 
'of self-offering, of manifold love, whereby My 
Heart may be comforted. 

Let thy devotion be fervent, when here thou 
prayest, or worshipest, or busiest thyself in any 
manner; so that, as much as thou canst, thou make 
up for the indifference of the lukewarm, and awake 
in them an incentive to shake off their sluggish- 
ness. 

Exhibit everywhere a sincere, not a fictitious 
veneration for the most Blessed Sacrament, that 
thou mayst in some sort make amends to My honor; 
and, whilst edifying others, induce them to rever- 



CHAPTER XVII. 



695 



ence Me, and thus lighten the burden laid upon 
My Heart. 

Frequently offer up thy good works, thy suffer- 
ings, and all the meritorious deeds which are per- 
formed in the Church, throughout the world, to 
honor Me in the holy Eucharist. 

For the same end offer up the virtues and merits 
of all the Angels and Saints : all the praise, and 
honor, and whatsoever else is done in heaven. 

As often as thou nearest or celebratest Mass, or 
rcceivest holy Communion, among others, have 
this intention, to atone, by this holy action, for the 
insults, which at any time have here been offered, 
by thyself or by others, to My Heart. 

Nay more, My Child, imitating My Heart, pray 
for those who behave so unworthily towards Me ; 
that the patience of My Heart in waiting for them, 
and Its readiness in pardoning them, when return- 
ing, may triumph, to Its own great joy, and to 
their everlasting happiness. 

Lastly, whether interiorly or exteriorly, endeavor 
to do everything thou art able, that, insults being 
set aside, all may show Me honor and love, in this 
holy Sacrament. 

8. The voice of the Disciple. — most sweet Je- 
sus ! how greatly didst Thou honor us ! how much 
didst Thou love us ! Lo ! for love of us Thou 
earnest down from heaven upon earth : and, to lead 
us from earth to heaven, Thou didst not eea:;e to 
labor and suffer. 



696 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



Thou didst sacrifice all Thy interests, and shed 
even Thy blood, to redeem us when dead : Thou 
didst suffer death to give us life : Thou wast willing 
that thy Heart, wounded by love, should remain 
open, that Thou mightst thence bestow upon us all 
blessings : Thou didst condescend to be wholly 
ours, always and everywhere. 

In Thy mortal life. Thou gavest Thyself to us as 
the price of salvation, the fountain of life, the pat- 
tern of perfection, the way and guide to heaven. 

In Thy Sacramental life, Thou givest Thyself 
over and above to us as the food of life, the sancti- 
fieation of soul and body, the solace of our pil- 
grimage, the abundance of all things good. 

In Thy glorious life itself, Thou givest Thyself 
to us as the Advocate with the Father, as the giver 
of the Spirit the Comforter, as an everlasting 
reward. 

What more, most loving Jesus ! what more 
could Thy Heart invent, what more could It do, 
which It did not invent and accomplish for us? 

How great a thankfulness, then, how great a love, 
how great a fidelity hadst Thou a right to expect ! 

But alas ! Lord, alas ! instead of gratitude, of 
love, of fidelity, oh ! behold, affronts, profanations, 
sacrileges, and every most cruel misdeed ! 

Was it this, good Jesus ! was it this, — which 
moves the Angels themselves to shed tears, — was it 
this Thou hadst to expect from us for all Thou 



CHAPTER XVII. 



697 



didst do, and endure, and bestow, and prepare 
for us. 

9. Would, Lord, that, with my blood, I could 
wash away things so horrible ! Would that I were 
able, at the cost of my own honor and life, to atone 
for indignities so great, insults so cruel ! 

But, since I can only desire these things : I of- 
fer to Thee, as a compensation for all the injuries 
ever done to Thy Heart, as an atonement for Thy 
honor, — in whatsoever manner it may have been 
wounded by myself and others, — all my thoughts, 
words, actions, all that I may do or suffer. 

For the same end, I offer to Thee my whole self, 
to undergo all the humiliations, to suffer ail the 
insults, to endure whatsoever Thy divine good 
pleasure may will. 

I offer to Thee, also, all the pious affections, the 
holy desires, the meritorious works of all the faith- 
ful who are pleasing to Thee, throughout the 
world : all the Sacrifices of the Mass, the holy 
Communions, in short, whatsoever is done for Thee 
in the whole Church. 

I, likewise, offer to Thee the praises, and thanks- 
givings, and blessings, and all the testimonials 
of love of all the heavenly Spirits, and of the 
Saints who reign in heaven. 

Accept, I beseech Thee, most kind Jesus, 
these offerings in union with the merits of Thy 
most Sacred Heart: receive them through thelm- 
59 



698 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



maculate Heart of Thy Virgin Mother, through 
which I dare to present all this to Thee. 

Through that innocent Heart : guilty as I am, I 
yet do confidingly draw near to Thy Heart ; and 
implore merc„y and grace for myself and for all 
other miserable sinners. 

Spare, Lord, spare us sinners : forgive the 
evils we have done : forget the insults we have of- 
fered to Thy Heart. 

Grant that, by purity of life, we may repair the 
past ; that, by the fervor of our affections, we may 
return Thy love ; and, that, by a persevering fidel- 
ity, we may delight Thy Heart. 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

THAT WE MUST PROVE OURSELVES BEFORE WE 
APPROACH THE HOLT SACRAMENT OF THE EU- 
CHARIST. 

1. The voice of Jesus. — My Child, let a man 
prove himself, and so let him eat of that Bread, 
and drink of the Cup. For he that eats and drinks 
unworthily, eats and drinks judgment to himself, 
not discerning the Body of his Lord. 

No small punishment threatens him, that re- 
ceives the Lord his G-od unworthily. Behold ! My 



CHAPTER XVIII- 



699 



Blood shall be upon hiin, and shall cause a curse 
to fall upon his body and soul. 

Consider, Child, how indignant thou art at the 
conduct of Judas, the betrayer. But, he surpasses 
in audaciousness, ingratitude and wickedness this 
faithless Disciple, who. — not restrained by the most 
lamentable fate of Judas, and abusing My forewarn- 
ings, as well as My favors, — whilst at this most sa- 
cred banquet he reclines upon My very Heart, 
betrays Me by a sacrilegious Communion. 

How dreadful, then, how terrible the expecta- 
tion of judgment! how fearful a punishment awaits 
him, who betrays, who persecutes Me by so cruel a 
baseness! 

If they, who misused the ancient types of this 
divine Sacrament, were punished so severely : if the 
sons of Heli, because they had behaved in an unbe- 
coming manner in the Sanctuary of old ; if Oza, 
because he had irreverently touched the Ark of the 
Covenant ; if Balthassar, because he had used the 
sacred vessels for an unholy purpose ; if all these, 
in punishment of their crimes, were overtaken by 
death ; what does that sacrilegious wretch deserve, 
who, so far as in him lies, tramples under foot and 
spurns God Himself, his Creator and Saviour ? 

Would not the earth open and swallow him alive, 
did not My Heart prevent it, in order that It may 
still offer him a chance of salvation ? 

crime ! enormity ! how horrible it is, for one 



700 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



guilty of so great an impiety, to fall into the hands 
of an Almighty God ! 

2. The voice of the Disciple. — Lord! Lord! 1 
shudder with horror, when I reflect on the heinous- 
ness of such an abominable crime ! 

Prostrate in the dust before Thee, I beg and be- 
seech Thee : preserve me from an unworthy Com- 
munion of Thy Body and Blood. 

By Thy Heart Itself, I implore Thee, Lord God, 
make me understand what it is, to eat this Bread 
and drink this Cup unworthily, that knowing it, I 
may sedulously be on my guard, lest I draw upon 
myself a most frightful condemnation. 

The voice of Jesus. — It is. My Child, to receive 
the holy Sacrament of the Eucharist, whilst the 
consciousness of a grievous sin burdens him that 
receives. 

Lest, therefore, he take so great a mystery un- 
worthily, and consequently death and condemna- 
tion, let a person prove his conscience. 

And this proviug is necessary, so that no one, 
self-conscious of a mortal sin, how contrite soever 
he may appear to himself, should approach the 
holy Eucharist, without previous sacramental Con- 
fession. 

3. The voice of the Disciple.- — Forgive me, I be- 
seech Thee, Lord, if I appear not to understand 
fully what is said ; for I am dull of comprehension. 

Pardon me, also, if I ask things which seem less 
appropriate ; for I am uneasy in heart. 



CHAPTER XVITI. 



701 



Not that I am not willing to make a greater pre- 
paration foi so great a Sacrament, than that which 
is required not to receive unworthily ; but because 
the enemy of my salvation, sometimes, suggests 
that, even after I have done what I could, I should 
be guilty of the Body and Blood of the Lord, were 
I to approach holy Communion. 

Thus, when darkness covers my interior, and the 
enemy roars in the obscurity, so that I cannot 
clearly discern objects, nor distinctly hear Thy 
voice within me ; I either approach with reluctance 
and with danger, or, deceived by the wiles of the 
devil, I abstain from the best remedy for all my 
miseries. 

Show me, therefore, I entreat Thee, what signi- 
fies to be conscious of mortal sin. For, this being 
well understood, I shall more easily avoid the 
snares of the devil, and guard more effectually 
against an unworthy Communion. 

4. The voice of Jesus. — My Child, he is self-con- 
scious of mortal sin, who knows in his heart, that 
he is in a state of mortal sin. For he is conscious 
of a thing, who has the consciousness of it. Now, 
consciousness is certain knowledge. 

Knowledge, however, is not to be sought in the 
same way in all things, but in every matter accord- 
ing to its own manner : absolute in matters abso- 
lute, physical in things physical, moral in what be- 
longs to morality. 

Wherefore, Child, they that are wont to sin vol- 



702 



untavily, if they doubt, whether, when solicited to 
a sin, they did commit that sin, are morally certain, 
from what commonly happens to them, that they 
are guilty of that sin. 

On the contrary^ when thou strivest sincerely to 
cling to Me, or so long as thou art habitually in 
dread of being deprived of divine grace ; if thou 
knowest not, if thou hast no certain knowledge, 
that, in grievous matters, thou didst voluntarily 
consent to the temptations of the enemy, or didst, 
in any way, lose the state of grace ; if thou receiv- 
est the Sacrament, thou dost not receive it unwor- 
thily. 

5. Let these truths, My Child, ever console thee, 
let them encourage, let them guide thee ; especially, 
when serenity does not reign within — when the 
noise of the foe fills thy heart. 

Thou wilt, however, do rightly, if thou ever mak- 
est as perfect an act of contrition as thou art able 
for all, even thy hidden transgressions, such as they 
are in the sight of God ; that, being thus better 
disposed, thou rnayst, amid the Angels, approach 
the divine mystery. 

It will, likewise, prove useful, if, when thou art 
about to approach the sacred Table, thou provest 
thyself even in slighter sins; and, by an ardent 
love, purifiest thyself from them and all inordinate 
alfections ; so that, entering with a stainless wed- 
ding-garment, thou mayst sit down with Me to the 
heavenly banquet. 



CHAPTER XVIII. 



703 



If then, Child thou dost not consent to mortal 
sins, although thou feelest thyself tempted thereto ; 
if thou dost not voluntarily commit venial ones ) 
if thou strugglest to go against nature, when it op- 
poses itself to the divine good pleasure ; behold, 
with the permission of the director of thy con- 
science, it is lawful for thee to approach holy Com- 
munion, whensoever thou art willing. 

And, although this purity is infinitely below that 
divine purity, which is received in the most Blessed 
Sacrament ; yet, it suffices for man, in order to fre- 
quent with humble confidence and affection this 
sacred and sanctifying mystery, and to be thereby 
more perfectly purified. 

For this divine Sacrament is not instituted for 
creatures that are by nature Angels, who cannot 
sin, but for men, who are angels by desire, and are 
not willing to sin ; so that by it they may attain to 
the perfection of purity and sanctity, which is 
rather the fruit of Communion than a preparation 
for it. 

6. It belongs peculiarly to the demon, to turn 
away from frequent Communion souls that are suf- 
ficiently well-disposed ; and eveiy one among men 
who does so, whether directly or indirectly, imi- 
tates the demon, and does the devil's work. 

Undoubtedly, I require reverence; but I desire 
love more : and thou wilt show the one and the 
other better by frequent than by infrequent Com- 
munion. 



704 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



I, indeed, do not desire, My Child, that thou 
shouldst often approach holy Communion, and at 
the same time continue to sin, although only ve- 
nially, or follow the ill-ordered likings or dislikings 
of nature : but this I will, that, with a fixed will 
thou be determined to abstain both from commit- 
ting even the least sin, and from following the in- 
ordinate inclinations of nature, and that thou fre- 
quently approach thus the holy Sacrament, in spite 
of what they may think who, in this matter, defend 
the part of the evil spirit. 

If, in consequence of this determination, thou art 
wont to lead a pure life, then, Child, even if, through 
frailty, thou fall occasionally into some defect, do 
not on that account omit thy usual Communion ; 
but, after having made the requisite proving, come 
to it with a more intense preparation. 

Consider, Child, and remember, how greatly My 
Heart is honored and delighted by a pious and holy 
Communion, with how great a joy heaven is filled, 
with how much comfort the faithful departed are 
helped, with how many gifts and graces a well- 
disposed soul is replenished, to secure her salvation 
the better, and to attain to sanctity. 

Are all these results not such that they do not 
only counterbalance, but infinitely outweigh, the 
labor or effort required for the proving and cleans- 
ing of thyself? 

7. There is no one, who cannot in this manner 



CHAPTER XYIIT. 



705 



prove himself, cleanse himself, in fine, dispose him- 
self; since to all grace is given for this purpose. 

Nor can any one attribute the lack of disposition 
to nature, or to his condition in life; since neither 
nature nor condition in life, but an ill-regulated 
will, or carelessness, renders the soul indisposed. 

Excite thy fervor, My Child, stir up thy heart 
for a matter of such importance, that, in this life, 
there can be naught greater, naught more useful for 
thee. 

Here every one receives the reward of the labor 
which he has employed in preparation, and, in pro- 
portion as he draws nigh purified and disposed, he 
departs laden with graces and favors. 

8. The voice of the Discijjle. — Thanks to Thee, 
most kind Jesus, for that, in so weighty a matter, 
Thou instructest me so clearly, so distinctly ; and, 
with so great a benignity of Heart, invitest and 
pressest me. although so poor and wretched, to a 
frequent participation of the divine banquet. 

Henceforth, I will come with more security and 
cheerfulness to this sacred Table ; since I know, 
how I must prove and dispose myself, as well to be 
acceptable to Thee, as to partake with fruit of this 
heavenly food. 

I ardently desire, Thou knowest it, Lord, and 
I most firmly resolve, to live free from every volun- 
tary sin whatsoever, and from every inordinate 
affection ; that, without hindrance, I may, as fre- 



706 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



quently as possible, receive Thee in holy Com- 
munion. 

Whatsoever maybe wanting to me, poor and des- 
titute as I am, do Thou, I beseech Thee, good and 
merciful Jesus, supply from the treasury of Thy 
Heart : clothe me with the white robe of innocence : 
adorn me with the beauty of faith, hope, charity, 
and of all virtues, that I may deserve to appear 
among the holy Angels, and banquet with Thee, 
unto Thy joy and honor, and my consolation and 
sanctification. 



CHAPTER XIX. 

HOW WE OUGHT TO PREPARE OURSELVES FOR 
HOLY COMMUNION. 

1. The voice of Jesus. — My Child, My time is 
near at hand ; do thou await Me : behold ! I will 
come, and will enter with thee, and I will make My 
abode with thee. 

And when I come, I shall not be alone, but many 
Angels with Me ; nor shall I come with empty 
hands, but bring along riches, and honors, and hap- 
piness, that I may enrich and ennoble thee ; that I 
may make thee contented and blissful. 

Prepare, therefore, a place for Me, in which thero 



CHAPTER XIX. 



707 



is not only no stain, but wherein also everything is 
becomingly adorned. 

If thou eonsiderest well, whom thou art about to 
receive, thou wilt, indeed, acknowledge that, even 
if thou didst possess the innocence of Angels, thou 
oughtest still to prepare thyself with the utmost 
care. 

For, with how great a purity, how great a holi- 
ness should his body and soul be glittering and 
adorned, who does not merely approach and em- 
brace purity itself, sanctity itself; but receives the 
same, is incorporated with the same ! 

Do, then, whatsoever thou canst, to prepare thy- 
self in body and soul for this grand work. 

2. Grand, indeed, is this work : for thou pre- 
parest a dwelling-place not for a superior or a 
prince, but for thy Saviour-God : neither dost thou 
labor for perishable things, but for everlasting pos- 
sessions. 

Wherefore, some time before the day previous to 
My coming, begin to dispose and prepare thyself 
remotely, according to thy condition, by some acts 
of self-denial and other virtues. 

Direct thy good works, yea. even those which are 
indifferent, thy words, and thoughts also, to this 
object ; and offer them all. that they may be as so 
many ornaments, pleasing in My sight, of the place, 
which thou art exerting thyself to prepare for Me. 

3. Excite and cherish a living desire of the hap- 
piness, which thou art about to enjoy in the holy 



708 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



Communion. This will stir up and animate all the 
rest. 

And why shouldst thou not be goaded on by 
this desire, if thou considerest in how manifold 
ways thou standest in need of Me ? Why shouldst 
thou not experience an ardent longing, if thou 
givest heed to the great blessings which thou art 
about to receive ? Why, in fine, shouldst thou not 
be wholly inflamed, if thou meditatest, how eagerly 
My Heart desires to bestow Itself upon thee ? 

In correspondence with this desire of My Heart, 
let thy heart, in return, long for Me ; and let it, 
from time to time, renew and inflame its eagerness 
to be dissolved by love, and be with Me. 

Now address the Angels : Have ye seen whom 
my soul loves? I adjure you, that ye tell Him 
that I languish with love. 

Then call upon the Saints : I entreat you, Breth- 
ren, by our Lord and by His Heart, assist me with 
your prayers. 

Again, express to Me thy longing desire : my 
Beloved ! my chosen one among all others, show 
me where Thou feedest among the lilies. Who will 
grant me that I may find Thee, that I may em- 
brace Thee, that I may lead Thee into the dwelling 
of my heart ! Bid, O bid me experience how good 
Thou art to them that seek Thee ; how sweet to 
them that find, how ineffable to them that possess 
Thee ! Come, Lord, and do not delay. 

With these, and other affections suited to the 



CHAPTER XIX. 



709 



state of thy soul, entertain thy fervor ; excite a 
spiritual hunger after the most wholesome Sacra- 
ment of the Eucharist, which demands a hungry 
soul, and fills and satiates the hungry soul with 
good things. 

4. Make, besides, a pure and holy intention, and 
cause the same to bear on the various ends, par- 
ticular as well as general, which thou hast proposed 
to thyself. 

Beware, My Child, lest thou approach the holy 
Communion for form's sake, or through custom, as 
it were without any purpose : nor be thou less on 
thy guard, lest thou go to it in order that thou 
mayst appear devout, or, on the contrary, that thou 
mayst avoid reproach ; or, lastly, that thou mayst 
experience sensible consolation. 

Proceed with straightforwardness, follow after 
things pure and holy, according to the divine good 
pleasure, from which thou oughtest for no consid- 
eration whatsoever to turn aside. For, whatsoever 
is foreign thereto, is of no value, how good soever 
it may appear. 

Thus it will happen, that, when about to ap- 
proach the holy Sacrament, after a careful prepara- 
tion, if thou dost not feel, according to thy desire, 
the fervor and relish of devotion, thou wilt bear it 
in peace and with profit, resigned to My divine 
Will, which thou wilt deem the greatest of all con- 
solations. 

And if thou dost experience the ardor or sweet 



710 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



ness of devotion, thou wilt receive it with a humble 
and grateful mind, and relish it in thy innermost 
heart ; knowing that it is not an effect of thy own 
seeking, but a gift of the goodness of My Heart. 

5. When the time is now near at hand, that I am 
about to come, think that thou hearest thy Guar- 
dian Angel, who says to thee : Behold, the Bride- 
groom comes : go thou forth to meet Him. 

Arise thou quickly, and, having with thee thy 
lamp lighted with sanctifying grace, hasten to 
My holy Tabernacle, watch there, and make the 
immediate preparation for My coming. 

Let thy heart be dilated, let all the powers of thy 
soul exult : let the present felicity replenish thee 
wholly inwardly and outwardly. 

Imagine that now thou art no longer on earth, 
but amidst the Angels, who invisibly surround 
thee. 

6. And whilst I tarry in the Tabernacle, adore 
Me with a lively faith, cherish a great hope, renew 
thy love for thy neighbor. Apply thyself dili- 
gently to this : insist on this with much affection. 

Then, occupy thyself with acts of those virtues, 
which are peculiarly pleasing to My Heart, and 
which I Myself practiced in a marvelous manner 
in the Supper-room, before I instituted this Sacra- 
ment; thus giving thee an example, that as I did 
in My Heart, so thou shouldst also do before holy 
Communion. 

For, how deeply did I there humble Myself, when 



< I j A PTKil XiX. 



711 



I cast Myself at My Disciples' feet, and washed and 
wiped them ! 

Taught by such an example, humble thyself, as 
much as .thou art able, with thy whole heart, with 
thy whole mind, with all thy strength. 

And, when thou hast done all thou oughtest and 
canst, acknowledge that thou art unworthy to re- 
ceive Me, to enter into divine companionship with 
Me. 

What more do I ask, than a soul truly humble, 
in which My Soul finds its delight, upon which My 
Heart may pour out the abundance of Its graces, 
and which My pure love may pervade, ravish, 
transform ? 

By love, My Child, by love was this most de- 
lightful Sacrament instituted : by love it must be 
received. 

As the love of My Heart in this mystery is ex- 
ceeding, and pours itself out without measure) 
without restriction : so, Child, when thou becom- 
est a partaker of the same, give thyself wholly up, 
without limit, without terms, to divine love. 

This living love, this pure affection, this entire 
surrendering of thyself, is the highest preparation 
for holy Communion ; because it is the nearest dis- 
position to the divine union. 

Here, therefore, do thou linger : here act with 
thy whole heart ; ask, give, according as the Spirit 
of grace will interiorly teach or direct thee. 

7. If thou lovest Me purely, My Child, thou 



712 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



wilr. perceive that it is riot in thy power to love Me 
sufficiently : and thou wilt feel, that whatsoever 
thou dost or art able to do, is as nothing compared 
io what thou seest is befitting to receive Me in thy 
heart. 

Wherefore, be not satisfied with those adornings 
of virtue, which thou thyself makest ready or pos- 
sessest ; but, borrow from the Angels, the Saints, 
and all the good, whatsoever ornaments they have, 
for the solemn occasion, when thou art going to re- 
ceive Me. 

And this thou canst do, My Child, if, with a sin- 
cere and fervent heart, thou desirest, and offerest to 
Me, for thyself, all and each one of the merits and 
virtues of the Angels and Saints ; that by these 
thou mayst be pleasing to Me, and receive Me in 
a more worthy and perfect manner : 

If, for the same end, thou wishest efficaciously 
to receive Me with that purity, faith, hope, char- 
ity : with that humility, love, and holiness, with 
which all the just and virtuous, yea, My Immacu- 
late Virgin-Mother herself, have ever received Me 
in the Sacrament. 

Holy affections of this kind, Child, if they flow 
from a pure love for Me, are so pleasing to Me, that 
I am not less delighted with these pure and burn- 
ing desires, than if thou didst thyself possess the 
things desired. 

But, My Child, seek thou after still better 



CHAPTER XIX. 



713 



things : perfect the adornment of thy heart with, 
the very virtues of My Heart. 

Finally, when I come out of the Tabernacle, 
when thou nearest the words : Behold the Lamb 
of God ! inwardly and outwardly collected, and 
full of reliance upon the goodness of My Heart, 
come thou amidst the Angels, come forth to 
meet Me. 

At this supreme moment, forget in some manner 
thyself, and, intent on Me alone, receive Me with 
all thy affections, and enter with Me into thy 
heart. 

8. Behold here the manner, My Child, in which 
it behooves thee to prepare thyself for holy Com- 
munion. If, as is befitting in a Disciple of My 
Heart, thou drawest these preparatory acts out of thy 
own heart, instead of reading them out of a book, 
thou shalfc find this method, as it were, ever new. 

For thou wilt elicit these acts, now in one way, 
then in another; according as thy wants, or thy de- 
votion, or the inward unction of the spirit shall 
move thee. 

But, if thou canst not yet act interiorly in this 
manner, make use of a book ; but use it so as to 
learn by degrees to converse with Me in thy heart, 
and to be able, at last, to make thy immediate pre- 
paration without a book. 

Betain, therefore, the method, but vary the man- 
ner of following it ; shorten one act, lengthen 
another, according to the present state of thy soul 
60 



714 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



Attend not to the form of the acts, but to the 
sincerity of the affections : bring forward, in a sim- 
ple and affectionate manner, the sentiments of thy 
heart ; but, above all, follow the spirit. 

Thus it will come to pass, My Child, that thou 
wilt prepare thyself every time in some new way, 
adapted to thy present circumstances, and also 
with new fervor. 

For this it will help thee much, to dispose thy- 
self, and to approach holy Communion in such a 
manner, as if it were to be the last of thy life. 

And, in truth, Child, thou knowest not whether 
thy next Communion shall not be the last : but 
this thou knowest. that some one unknown to thee 
shall be the last. 

It is, therefore, a prudent and pious counsel to 
go to every Communion with such a disposition 
and such an intention, that, if it be the last, it may 
be thy viaticum unto life everlasting. 

9. The voice of the Disciple. — How great and 
wonderful is the goodness of Thy Heart, Lord 
Jesus, that Thou dost so instruct me, and teach me 
a method so holy and so sweet, to prepare myself 
for holy Communion ! 

"With thankfulness do I embrace, Lord, and 
faithfully will I follow the method Thou givest me; 
which I own, — as it is so simple and varied, — will 
l3e easy and ever new. 

But, behold ! when I shall have performed what- 
soever I can, to prepare myself for Thy reception 



CHAPTER XIX. 



715 



within my heart : what is it all compared with Thy 
dignity? Or what is it in comparison with the 
bliss which I am to enjoy ? 

In that most delightful hour, when Thou wilt 
enter into my innermost heart, what shall be want- 
ing to my felicity? Shall I not find in Thee what- 
soever I can desire ? 

For Thou, unfailing fountain of all good ! 
Thou art my life and joy ; Thou art my virtue and 
sanctification, Thou my wealth and honor, Thou 
my rest and sweetness, and every bliss. 

O Jesus, the most beloved of all the beloved ! 
how I long for Thee ! how I stand in need of 
Thee! when wilt Thou come? When wilt 
Thou admit me, miserable, weak, ignorant, hungry, 
and lonely ! 

For Thou, my Jesus ! Thou art my Saviour, 
my Physician, my Leader ; Thou art my Shepherd 
my Friend, the Beloved of my soul. 

Lamb of God ! Thou who takest away the 
sins of the world, I am not worthy that Thou 
shouldst enter beneath my roof ; but have pity on 
me, follow the goodness of Thy Heart, come. 

my Beloved, Thou the Bridegroom of my 
soul, sweeter than honey and the honey-comb ; 
fair with the beauty of innocence, blushing with 
the purity of love, draw me to Thee, make me 
like to Thee. 

Assist me to prepare myself, in holiness, for Thy 
coming : grant that I may keep my lamp trimmed 



716 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



and lighted ; that I may neither sleep nor be slug- 
gish ; but that I may so watch for Thee in prayer 
that I may so glow with piety, that, when Thou 
comest out, I may go forth to meet Thee with my 
soul prepared, and be found worthy to enter with 
Thee. 



CHAPTER XX. 

WHAT WE MUST DO AFTER WE HAVE RECEIVED 
THE BLESSED SACRAMENT. 

1. The voice of Jesus. — My Child, so soon as, 
through holy Communion, thou hast received Me, 
setting aside all other care, be thou wholly Mine, 
as I am thine. 

Behold ! then surrounding and prostrate Angels 
adore, worship with reverential awe, marvel in as- 
tonishment, burn with love : canst thou, in the midst 
of all this, remain indifferent? 

Everything within and without is holiness and 
devotedness, peace and joy, and pouring out of 
favors and gifts, sweetness and felicity. Partake 
thou of the same, My Child : enjoy all these bless- 
ings in Me, whom thou possessest. 

For lo ! in thy innermost heart I Myself am 
present, thy God, thy all. Stay with Me, My Child, 



CHAPTER XX. 



717 



nor leave Me alone, by wandering away with thy 
mind, thy heart, or thy senses. 

Having closed the doors of every avenue, spend 
with Me that time, than which none can be better, 
more pleasant, more precious for thee. 

Blessed art thou, if thou knowest how to employ 
this time, on which the principal fruit of Com- 
munion, the chief progress of thy soul, depends ! 

How many things thou hast to do in this most 
joyous hour! how much to pray and to ask for ! 
how many wants to make known to Me ! how much, 
also, hast thou to hear from Me ! how many sacri- 
fices to make : how much, in fine, to receive for 
thyself and for others ! 

Wherefore, do not neglect the time of my vis- 
itation : but have a care, that not the least part of 
so good a gift overpass thee. 

2. First, then, in sincerity of heart, return the 
greatest thanks to Me, thy Saviour-God, for that 
I have deigned so mercifully and so lovingly to 
visit thee. 

And, since thou art unable to return worthy 
thanks for an infinite favor, call upon the Angels, 
who are attending unseen : invite all the heavenly 
Spirits and the Saints ; nay more, invite everything 
that breathes, every created being, great and small, 
that, with thee and for thee, they may praise to- 
gether, and extol exceedingly the Beloved of thy 
soul, so loving and so lovely. 

But, because all these are below the greatness of 



718 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



the divine well-doing, offer up all the thanksgivings, 
the praises, the acts of love, which the Angels and 
the Saints, and all the just have ever offered, and 
will offer forever. 

Offer all this, united with the merits of My 
Heart ; which, since they are infinite, are equal to 
the infinite gift. 

3. Then, make acts of the most profound adora- 
tion, freely submitting for a- holocaust, all the 
powers of thy soul, and the senses of thy body, as 
a homage of faith due to Me. 

This holocaust, containing as it does the great- 
est humility, and as it immolates thee wholly to 
Me, pleases and honors Me supremely. 

After this, what is there for which thou mayst 
not hope from My Heart, so lavish of Its gifts. 

Hope boldly, My Child : form great and strong 
acts of firm hope. Now cherish an assured hope 
that, whatsoever thou mayst ask, will be given 
thee. Again cast thyself upon My Heart, as a 
child upon the bosom of its parent, trusting that 
here thou shalt find what thou desirest, hoping 
that here thou shalt be safe. 

And will not, meanwhile, thy heart be burning 
in thee, when so great a kindness is shown thee, so 
undue a condescension, so disinterested a love ? 

Here be persevering, My Child : give thyself 
altogether to the divine love ; cease not to make 
acts of love, until thou hast satisfied thy devotion, 
or the Spirit of grace directs thee to other matters. 



CHAPTER XX. 



719 



For, while the divine love is working in thy 
heart, and exercises its power, then is the accept- 
able time, — if, through human frailty or in any 
other manner, thou hast done things which may be 
displeasing to My Heart, — both to grieve, out of 
pure love of God, for having committed them, and 
to resolve to commit them now no more. 

The living heat of divine love, if thou co-oper- 
atest with it, pursues sin like dry stubble, burns 
and consumes it. 

4. Then, that thou mayst not fall again, pray 
earnestly to be cured of thy evil passions, if thou 
have any ; to be freed from inordinate affections, 
whereby thou either lovest or shunnest unsuitably 
created objects ; to be delivered from miseries, to 
which thou art subject; lastly, to be preserved 
from sins and defects, especially from those to 
which experience teaches thee that thou art more 
inclined. 

Nay more, in order that thou mayst become more 
solid and perfect, as well as more alike and dear to 
My Heart, do thou beg earnestly for virtues or an 
increase of them. 

Ask for a more lively faith, a more firm hope, a 
more fervent love, a greater affection for holy pov- 
erty, a more Angelic purity, a more perfect obe- 
dience, a more eminent humility and meekness, con- 
formity to My divine Will, an intimate and abiding 
union with Me : other virtues, in fine, which thy 



720 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



state requires, and which are befitting in a Disciple 
of My Heart. 

Proceed still further, and implore a special help, 
whereby, for love of Me, thou mayst perform 
cheerfully and meritoriously those sacrifices in 
particular, which grace asks and desires of thee. 

Devote thyself wholly, with all thou art and 
hast, as a living victim to My honor and to My 
love. 

5. Lastly, My Child, exercise the zeal of love: 
pray much and fervently for others, to the greater 
glory and joy of My Heart. 

Through the merits of the Saints and Angels, 
through the Heart of My Immaculate Virgin 
Mother, through My Heart Itself, pray humbly for 
the universal Church ; that she may enjoy peace, 
increase in holiness, and be spread throughout the 
world. 

For the Supreme Pontiff, My Vicegerent, and 
for all My Ministers ; that they may be good labor- 
ers in My Vineyard, may possess rightness of in- 
tention, purity of life, the pursuit of perfection, 
the fervor of zeal. 

For Religious ; that they may preserve their first 
spirit, make constant progress in virtue, edify the 
world, console the Church. 

For all the faithful people ; that every one, in 
the vocation to which he was chosen, serving Me 
in a worthy and laudable manner, may strive to 
make his calling sure. 



CHAPTER XX. 



721 



Pour forth, likewise, thy prayers and supplica- 
tions for the conversion of infidels, of heretics, of 
all sinners; that, freed from the errors of the 
mind and the vices of the heart, they may direct 
their steps into the way of salvation and peace. 

For thy kindred, benefactors, friends, and ex- 
pressly for thy enemies ; that they may be assisted 
with help from above, be sanctified, and that they 
may obtain all things necessary and useful to 
them. 

For all the just, the afflicted, those in danger, 
those who are in their death-struggle ; that they 
may obtain perseverance, comfort, protection, and 
a happy end. 

Finally, for the faithful departed, for those es- 
pecially for whom thou mayst, in any manner, be 
obliged to pray ; that they may deserve to enter 
heaven, and be able to intercede for thee before the 
throne of the divine mercy. 

6. Do all these things faithfully, My Child, and 
endeavor to perform them in a gentle and effica- 
cious manner, according to the spirit. 

However, if I whisper or communicate anything 
to thee, or occupy thee in any wise, or deal with 
thee, leave off all beside, and hearken to Me with 
docility and reverence. 

If I chide thee for anything, receive My rebuke 
with a submissive heart : if I exhort, if I press 
aught upon thee, resolve, decide : if I grant or 
promise aught, be liberal in return : if I bestow 
61 



722 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



any comfort, receive it humbly, allow thyself to be 
replenished with the sweetness of consolation, re- 
membering that I am good, that My mercy endures 

forever. 

And, if it happen that the love bursting forth 
from My Heart suddenly takes possession of thee, 
fills thee with rapture, yield thou, My Child, and 
suffer thyself to be carried whithersoever it wills. 

Conceal thou outwardly, as much as thou canst, 
that which grace does inwardly, — lest some may 
attribute to thee what is exclusively due to Me, — 
and suffer love to be excessive, and to carry thee 
through all its transports : permit thyself to be 
enkindled with the divine fire, to be melted, to be 
dissolved. 

Such things, through Its exceeding love, does 
My Heart sometimes effect, in regard to My true 
Disciples, in order to reward them for their toils 
and troubles, lovingly endured for My sake, or for 
sacrifices which they have generously made for Me : 
or to make them taste, with a full heart, how de- 
lightful It is in the Sacrament, and how great a 
sweetness It reserves for them in heaven : or, yet, 
that, when disposed, It ma^, by a wonderful power 
of love, transform them into Me. 

But, Child, if, after piously and devoutly receiv- 
ing Communion, thou dost not experience the sen- 
sible effects of grace, the motions of divine love, 
be not uneasy, be not troubled. The fruit may not 
be less, without the feeling of these gifts. 



CHAPTER XX. 



723 



And even if, by straining thyself, thou do excite 
this feeling, thou shalt derive no profit from this 
emotion of nature ; but, on the contrary, thou wilt 
foster self-love, nourish vanity, and expose thyself 
to delusions. 

But continue thou humbly and quietly in My 
presence, exercising ordinary acts of virtues : and 
thus endeavor to carry with thee a greater humility, 
a more perfect conformity to the divine good pleas- 
ure, if thou do not feel the ardor and sweetness of 
love. 

This, My Child, is the common way of the Saints, 
who rested contented wheresoever they were placed: 
if not at My Side with Thomas, nor on My Breast with 
John, they remained with Mary at My feet, contin- 
uing faithful to the present grace, and thankful 
therefor : and, whether prostrate at My knees, or 
admitted to My embrace, under either circumstance, 
they profited according to the measure of grace 
granted to them. 

7. Tn this manner, therefore, wilt thou act, My 
Chii<!. after thou hast received the most Blessed 
Sacrament. And this method, although ever the 
same, will ever appear new : for thou wilt each time 
use it differently and variedly, according to the 
state of thy soul, and the motion of the spirit. 

For I wish that, after Communion, thou sufferest 
thy heart to pour itself out before Me ; to speak 
and deal with Me, according as it is affected or able. 

If thou readest certain forms of prayers, even 



724 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



the most pious, thou dost not so much give utter- 
ance to what is thy own, as rehearse what belongs 
to another ; thou dost not communicate to Me thy 
heart, but, with or without feeling, thou recitest in 
My presence, what another heart has said. Shall 
I praise thee ? herein I do not praise. 

Thinkest thou that, in this manner, thou canst 
become a truly interior person? that thou canst 
discern the secrets, which I am wont inwardly to 
suggest to the soul ? or enjoy My intimate commu- 
nications ? 

Wherefore, Child, accustom thyself to converse 
with Me, heart to Heart, to unfold to Me thy sen- 
timents, to receive Mine for thyself, to give what 
thou hast, and take, in return, what I liberally be- 
stow. 

If, however, by reason of thy want of skill, or 
some desolateness which presses upon thee, thou 
canst do nothing, unless thou readest some forms 
of prayer; read, but read little and slowly and at- 
tentively, and, pausing now and then, endeavor to 
draw something from thy heart and communcate it 
to Me. Thus thou wilt make progress ; thus thou 
wilt acquire, by degrees, the science of the Saints, 
the art of inwardly conversing and dealing with Me. 

8. When it is now time to return to thy own, 
forget not the remote thanksgiving. 

Entreat the holy Angels, to continue, in thy 
stead, their praises before Me : and, together with 



CHAPTER XX. 



725 



their praises, offer to Me whatsoever thou art about 
to do or suffer. 

Then, go whithersoever the divine Will calls 
thee : but outwardly and inwardly give heed to thy- 
self : shun unnecessary occasions of distraction and 
dissipation : take care lest thou pour forth thy heart 
in things worldly or useless. 

Make for Me in thy innermost heart a sanctuary, 
where thou mayst keep Me ever present ; pray to 
Me frequently, consult Me, and communicate to Me 
all thy concerns. 

According to thy ability, prove by deed that 
thou art mindful of the divine favor thou didst re- 
ceive : exercise some virtue in a more perfect man- 
ner : show a greater charity to them that are ill- 
affected toward thee ; or, on the other hand, to 
those against whom thou feelest some bitterness : 
exhibit a deeper humility, a gentler meekness, and 
other virtues, whereby thou dost manifest to Me thy 
gratefulness and love ; and, at the same time, edify 
thy neighbor to be zealous for better things, and de- 
light My Heart. 

9. The voice of the Disciple. — most kind, 
most sweet Jesus ! from my heart of hearts, do I 
return thanks to Thee, for that thou didst conde- 
scend to instruct me so perfectly, so lovingly, so 
gently. 

If, henceforth, after holy Communion, I do not 
spend my time well, if I do not act rightly, I con- 
fess myself inexcusable. 



72G 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



Hadst Thou not spoken to me, hadst Thou not 
thus taught me, my imperfect manner of acting, the 
little fruit derived from my Communions, might, 
perhaps, to a certain extent, have found an excuse 
before Thee : but now I have no excuse. 

Jesus, infinite goodness ! excite me to fervor : 
assist me with Thy grace, that I may reduce to 
practice the sweet and holy things, which Thou 
hast drawn out of Thy Heart, and delivered to me, 
and which I desire with all my affection?,. 

For what is there sweeter in life? what is there 
happier in this world ? what is there better or 
holier ? 

my love, Jesus, divine Bridegroom of my soul, 
Thou ever-enduring delight of the Angels and 
Saints ! when I enjoy Thee, what can I desire be- 
yond ? 

Grant, I beseech Thee, that then I may be wholly 
Thine, and Thou wholly mine ; that I may deal 
with Thee according to the good pleasure of Thy 
Heart; that I be and remain wholly resigned, and 
united to Thee. 



CHAPTER XXI. 



727 



CHAPTER, XXI. 

THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS, IN THE BOUN- 
TIFUL SACRAMENT OF THE EUCHARIST, GIVES 
US A REMEDY, WHEREBY WE ARE FREED FROM 
VENIAL, AND PRESERVED FROM MORTAL SINS. 

1. The voice of Jesus. — My Child, this is the 
Bread which comes down from heaven ; so that if 
any one eat of it, he may not die. 

The first substantial and enduring fruit, that the 
soul gathers from My Heart, in holy Communion, 
is that she is freed from defects, is strengthened in 
good, and preserved from spiritual death. 

That this, so consoling an effect of Communion, 
might be made known, this life-giving Sacrament 
was instituted under the appearance of food. For 
nourishment keeps the body from weakness, in- 
creases its strength, continues its life. 

What natural food does in the body, that, but in 
a much more perfect and marvelous manner, this 
supernatural nourishment, this Bread of Angels, 
effects in the soul. 

If the fruit of the tree of life, placed in Para- 
dise, could save the human body from death, and 
preserve it in an everlasting youthfulness ; how 
aiuch more will this food, which comes down from 
heaven, be able to guard the soul against death 
and keep her in permanent vigor? 



728 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



Yea, My Child, the fruit of the Sacrament, this 
heavenly nourishment does, sometimes, for the 
soul what neither the fruit of the tree of life, nor 
any terrestrial food can effect for the body. For 
should it happen, that some one, after a sincere 
proving of himself, after a sincere examination of 
his conscience, should invincibly and, therefore, 
inculpably, be ignorant of a mortal sin, and so in 
good faith eat of this living Bread, he would ob- 
tain, at the same time, the life of sanctifying grace 
and the remission of his hidden sin. 

2. This divine Sacrament supplies, not only 
great strength to turn away from evil, but even 
hinders or lessens the very causes of evil. 

Does not water extinguish fire? But the divine 
Eucharist extinguishes, much more effectually, the 
heat of the passions. For it contains every virtue, 
and. therefore, it checks every passion. 

What wonder, My Child, if this heavenly mys- 
tery renders all vices and unlawful pleasures un- 
pleasant and distasteful, since it gives to men to 
drink the wine whose fruit are virgins, and offers 
to them the delights of Angels ? 

Am not I the Bread of the life of bliss, the 
fountain of everlasting sweetness? He that comes 
to Me shall no longer hunger or thirst after the 
forbidden and dangerous aliments of the world : 
for, him I satiate with the good things of God, 
which, by their deliciousness, have the power of 



CHAPTER XXI. 



729 



causing all that is prohibited, all that is of earth, 
to appear bitter and distasteful. 

3. When I am Sacramentally present, the ene- 
mies of salvation flee far away from the soul, 
which, through holy Communion, has become ter- 
rible to them. 

If, at any time, they venture to assail her, they 
approach her full of dread, and make their attacks 
from afar. 

And these assaults themselves, — since the pas- 
sions of the soul have become more subdued and 
tranquilized, — affect her less, and expose her less 
to danger. 

For, when she perceives herself tempted to sin, 
if she thinks that she has received God in her 
heart, or that she is about to receive God therein, 
will not this mere thought suffice to repel the 
temptation? will it not be an inducement to exert 
her strength, that she may preserve her heart un- 
sullied, and that she may remain faithful ? 

How many souls have there been in this world, 
that, — although at first they were the slaves of 
baneful passions, yet by the pious and frequent 
use of this saving Sacrament, — were not only, in a 
short time, happily delivered from them, but over- 
came, with ease, the attacks of demons, and con- 
tinued ever faithful. 

And, indeed, if during My mortal life, when I 
dwelled with men, a virtue went forth from Me, 
and healed all infirmities; how much more now, in 



730 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



My Sacramental life, does the virtue issuing from 
My Heart, heal and strengthen the souls united to 
Me by Communion ? 

4. Moreover, My Child, when I come to the 
soul, through the holy Sacrament, I bring with 
Me all the sentiments of My Heart, and, according 
to the disposition of her heart, I share these with 
her : the love of humility, the love of charity, the 
love of holy poverty, the love of purity, the love 
of obedience, in fine, of all virtues which remove 
the sources of vice, that they themselves may 
occupy their place. 

This love, which is the soul of all virtues, and 
which My Heart communicates through the Sacra- 
ment, is strong as death. This, unless thou hin- 
der it, will render thee invincible. 

Call to mind the primitive Church : how great 
a fortitude of love My Heart was wont to impart 
through holy Communion, so that the faithful, — 
even they that were weakest by nature, children 
and tender maidens, — were victorious over all the 
enemies of salvation, and stronger than death 
itself. 

Whatever allurement the pride of life possessed, 
whatever the lust of the eyes could effect, whatever 
effort the concupiscence of the flesh could make, 
was not able, in the least, to captivate hearts, 
that, — fortified with this food of the strong, re- 
plenished with the sweetness of My love, — longed 



CHAPTER XXI. 



731 



for naught save to persevere in love for Me, and 
feared nothing except to be deprived of My love. 

What could separate these from My love? not 
tribulation, not distress, not persecution, not death 
in any shape. 

5. That which this Sacrament of the love of My 
Heart did formerly work so visibly, the same it 
does even now. 

For, whence, except from My Heart in this di- 
vine mystery, among so many of the faithful, so 
great an abhorrence of whatsoever the world and 
self-love pursue ? whence, among so many youths 
and maidens, so great a love of innocence, that 
they spurn and trample under foot all things con- 
trary thereto, how charming soever they may ap- 
pear to nature ; that they seek, and embrace with 
joy, every safeguard of their beloved virtue, al- 
though disagreeable to nature ? Whence, in many, 
that generousness of heart, even to loving the cross 
for My sake, even to making sacrifices with glad- 
ness for love of Me? Whence, in fine, in very 
many, of every condition in life, so great a forti- 
tude, that, although they own themselves weak, 
they withstand, unconquered, every opposition of 
the world, all the assaults of hell, yea, overcome 
them triumphantly? 

Behold here marvelous things, My Child ; be- 
hold, how this divine Bread, which the love of My 
Heart bestows, gives life and preserves it from 
death and even from decay. 



732 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



6. The voice of the Disciple. — living and life- 
giving Sacrament ! whence I have the Bread of life, 
whereby I may live and be strong in spirit. I be- 
seech Thee, Lord, give me always this Bread: 
but so that I may not grow sick nor die. 

For how many examples have we heard, and 
how many have our fathers related to us, of them 
that have eaten this Bread of life, and died ! 

Nay, we have seen and known, and trembled 
with fear, that even of them that frequently or 
even daily banqueted with Thee, and ought there- 
fore to have lived like Angels, some have shame- 
fully gone away, and filled themselves with the 
husks of swine, and wallowed in the mire, despis- 
ing grace, despising heaven, despising the dread of 
hell itself! 

The voice of Jesus. — Behold, My Child, men 
who, when they were in honor, did not understand, 
but have become like to senseless beasts ! 

But judge thou rightly : if thou perceivest that 
even they, who here banqueted in purple, have 
sought their delight in filthiness, ascribe it solely 
to their senseless, evil will. 

For, this saving Sacrament, although of itself it 
preserves from death, does not however deprive 
man, if he be unwilling to live, of the power of 
causing death to himself. 

By weakening the passions and the foe, it strength- 
ens and assists, in a wonderful manner, the freedom 
of the will, but it places no necessity upon the same. 



CHAPTER XXI. 



733 



Wherefore, a person often and duly strengthened 
by this divine nourishment, will live and not die, 
although he may do so, if he misuses, for the 
purpose of causing death, what is given for the pur- 
pose of life. 

When, therefore, thou nearest the examples of 
them that have fallen, reflect on thyself, and say: 
He that stands let him take heed lest he fall. 

And be thou so much the more on thy guard, 
lest, by voluntary defects and lukewarmness, thou 
hinder holy Communion from producing its saving 
and divine effects. 

7. The voice of the Disciple. — Jesus! life! 
through which I live, without which I die : bid me 
ever live by this life : bid me ever enjoy vigorous- 
ness of spirit. 

my beatitude, Lord ! whom I possess through 
holy Communion, I ask no sensible consolations, 
but that love, by which I may be so strong, that I do 
never grow weak ; by which I may be so replen- 
ished, that whatsoever the world offers me, may 
cause me disgust, never any relish. 

Grant me, I beseech Thee, to watch more cau- 
tiously over all the senses of my body, to guard 
more attentively every faculty of my soul, so that 
no fault do hinder the fruit of Communion. 

Drive, and keep far from me, all occasions of sin ; 
protect me powerfully, and preserve me unharmed 
amidst the dangers, to which, for the sake of Thy 
service, I must be exposed. 



734 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



But, more than all, keep me from all sin, and 
grant that I may never be separated from Thee, 
who art my only true and blissful life. 

8. How good it is to be with Thee, Jesus, 
sweetness of my heart, sole felicity of my soul ! 
do not suffer me to depart from Thee, nor do Thou 
Thyself, I implore Thee, withdraw from me. 

Stay with me, I entreat Thee, lest darkness seize 
me, lest dangers encompass me, lest, destitute of 
courage and strength, I perish : for Thou art my 
true light, Thou my place of refuge, Thou my 
strength and salvation. 

By the love of Thy Heart, I beg and implore 
Thee, abide with me, most kind and sweet Jesus : 
without Thee, nothing is well, nothing is pleasing. 
Without Thee, how miserable am I ! but how 
blissful with Thee ! 

Stay, therefore, with me, and rather deprive me 
of the possession of all else, of the love of all 
creatures, than permit that I should be depr.'ved 
of the possession and the love of Thee. 



CHAPTER XXII. 



735 



CHAPTER XXII 

BY HOLY COMMUNION THE MOST SACRED HEART OF 
JESUS, UNITES US WITH HIMSELF, AND MAKES 
US LIVE THROUGH AND FOR HIM. 

1. The voice of Jesus. — My Child, lie that eat- 
etli Me, the s;ime shall live by Me. 

Yv T hy should he not also live for Me, since he is 
so united with Me, that he is incorporated with Mc, 
and animated by Me ? 

For behold ! if ever, it is assuredly in Commu- 
nion thou art become a member of My Body, of 
My Flesh, of My Blood. Wilt thou, then, taking 
a member of Christ the Lord thy God, make it a 
member of the world or of iniquity ? God forbid. 

But, rendered living and holy by My very Body 
and Blood, thou wilt show thyself living of Me, 
holy, pleasing to Me in all things. 

As the body does, in some manner, put on the 
qualities of the food wherewith it is wont to be 
nourished; so that he who, being properly dis- 
posed, nourishes himself with strong and solid ali- 
ments, becomes himself strong and robust : thus, 
My Child, thou shalt find by experience, if thou 
feedest often and properly on Me, the principle of 
all purity and sanctity, that thou also shalt become 
pure and holy. 

Thy soul cleaving to Me, will now no longer 



736 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



crawl with her mind among earthly and perishable 
things, will no longer with her heart find delight 
among the low and vain pleasures of the world : 
but will seek the things which are above and en- 
during ; she will relish that which is supernal and 
good. 

Principles foreign to Me shall animate thee do 
more : merely natural sentiments shall no longer 
exercise an influence over thy life ; but because I 
live, thou shalt also live. 

This true, supernatural, holy life, which thou 
wilt live as effected by Me, which thou wilt live 
hidden in Me, thou wilt also live for Me. 

2. If, in this thy life, thou dost any good works, 
if thou practicest any virtues, if thou performest 
"any exercises of piety ; all these will be for Me. 

If any one ask thee, why thou thinkest, why 
thou speakest, why thou actest, why thou sufferest 
in this manner, thou wilt be able to answer : It is 
all for the sake of Him who loved Me, and gave 
Himself to me. 

Marvelous intercourse of My Heart, secret and 
divine communing with a pure and faithful heart, 
in this Sacrament of love ! The world understands 
not these things. 

And who can comprehend it, save the innocent 
in body and the clean of heart? The same shall 
know, he shall experience, he, in fine, being ad- 
mitted to higher and more interior things, shall live 
for Me in a still more marvelous manner. 



CHAPTER XXII. 



737 



3. For, being continually nourished of Me, and 
completely united with Me, he will at last not live 
save of Me : he will not breathe save by My breath, 
he will not love except by My love. 

Yea, as the living Father has sent Me, and I live 
through the Father : so he that eats My Flesh, the 
same shall in like manner live through Me. 

Attend, My Child, and understand all the sub? 
limity of this. As I receive of the Father, and un- 
ceasingly have in the Father, divine being, life, and 
perfection : so he that is rightly disposed, receives 
of Me, through holy Communion, and possesses 
uninterruptedly in Me a holy being, a holy life, a 
holy perfection. 

Iam holy because My Father is holy: and he 
that is here incorporated with Me, partakes of My 
sanctity. 

4. My Child, does not fire communicate its heat 
and color to the iron or wood which is put into it? 
But in the Sacrament there is a far more wonderful 
and more perfect communication, between Me and 
the soul which is rightly prepared. 

She communicates herself wholly to Me, and, if 
disposed, she receives in return the communication 
not only of My Humanity, but also of My Divinity) 
which, when My Humanity ceases to exist and act 
in her, continues to operate in her, like a super- 
substantial food, which not merely preserves, but 
even increases and perfects her spiritual, her holy 
life. 

62 



738 



'THE FOURTH BOOK. 



Yea, it causes My Spirit to flow perpetually into 
that blissful soul, and the love of My Heart to urge 
her on gently and strongly ; incited by which she 
allows herself to be guided by My Spirit : nay more, 
whithersoever she is guided by My Spirit, she cheer- 
fully concurs with the same, living always and 
everywhere in Me. 

In this wise, therefore, does a well-disposed soul, 
through holy Communion, live through Me and for 
Me. Being often refreshed sacramentally, she be- 
comes, at last, so assimilated to Me, that she mani- 
fests My life in herself. 

Take courage, Child, be zealous of these things, 
and strive diligently to attain to what is so consoling, 
so advantageous, and so glorious to Me and to thee 
forever. 

5. The voice of the Disciple. — Lord Jesus ! 
Thou knowest how I long, how I yearn for these 
things. 

By Thy most Sacred Heart, I entreat Thee, 
Thou the beginning and end of my life, do Thou 
frequently, in this Sacrament, nourish with Thyself 
me, whom by Thy grace Thou hast begotten, that 
I may live for Thee. 

Behold, Lord, it is by Thy gift that I live : 
but for what do I live, if I live not for Thee ? 

Jesus, fountain of life, never-failing bliss ! 
free me from every inordinate disposition, that I 
may be wholly replenished with Thee, that I may 
wholly live for Thee. 

* 



CHAPTER XXII. 



739 



So often as, through holy Communion, Thou 
comest to me, if Thou findest in me aught that is 
worldly, aught that is foreign to Thy Spirit, aught 
that is opposed to the good pleasure of Thy Heart ; 
do Thou root it out, I beseech Thee, that it may 
yield its place to Thee, to the Spirit and love of 
Thy Heart. 

Free me altogether from every obstacle : with 
the divine lire of Thy Heart, do Thou consume 
whatsoever hinders me from being sacredly and 
perfectly united with Thee, so that, being no 
longer mine but Thine, I may altogether live for 
Thee. 

6. Renew, sanctify my body and soul, that, being 
consecrated to Thee, and animated by Thee, they 
may be solely occupied with Thee, and for Thee. 

Grant, I entreat Thee, that I may undertake and 
perform every employment for Thee ; and that, 
during the same, so far as is allowed, I may often 
entertain myself with Thee. 

Grant, that, when I am free from my occupa- 
tions, I may forthwith, with mind and heart, turn 
myself to Thee, as the weight, when the obstacle is 
removed, hastens to its centre. 

Be Thou alone, henceforth, the beginning and 
the end of all I do or suffer, whether inwardly 01 
outwardly. 

Ah Lord Jesus ! although nourished by Thee 
and for Thee, how long, how often, have I labored 
and endured not for Thee, but for the enemies of 



740 



THE FOUR'SK BOOK. 



Thy honor and glory, — for self-love, for a vain 
pride ! 

Forgive me, I implore Thee, this perverseness, 
this injustice, this great ingratitude. 

Give me efficacious grace, that, as is most just 
and worthy, living of Thee, I may likewise live for 
Thee. 

7. Jesus, most loving and most amiable Bride- 
groom of my soul ! enlighten me, enkindle me, that 
I may more perfectly know, more fervently love 
Thee, my only blissful life. 

I acknowledge and confess, Lord, that I am 
not worthy that Thou shouldst raise me to the sub- 
limity of Thy life, which Thou art wont to com- 
municate, in the Sacrament, to Thy Saints : but 
Thou, Lord, art most worthy to be served, for the 
glory and joy of Thy Heart, in a holy manner — 
even by me. 

This grace, therefore, do Thou grant to me, that, 
through a frequent and devout Communion, I may 
attain to this, that I may live, as Thou also livest. 

Yea, live Thou, Jesus, infinite sweetness, my 
everlasting happiness ! live Thou, reign Thou, tri- 
umph Thou in me, unto Thy honor, unto every- 
thing that can be pleasing to Thy Heart. 

May everything I possess, may all I am, be im- 
molated, be sacrificed to Thee by purest love : 
Thou alone, most sweet Jesus, art my life : Thou 
alone art everything to me. 



CHAPTER XXIII. 



741 



CHAPTER XXIII. 

THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS, THROUGH 
HOLY COMMUNION, PERFECTS HIS UNION "WITH 
US, AND TRANSFORMS US INTO HIMSELF. 

1. The voice of Jesus. — My Child, be that eats 
My Flesh, and drinks My Blood, abides in Me, and 
I in him. 

Behold here a perfect union, whereby I, a divine 
Person, am found with Body and Soul in thee; 
and thou, a human person, art found with body and 
soul in Me. 

This union is, therefore, true and substantial. 
For no one is in Me, unless I be in him. 

If some one pours melted wax into other melted 
wax, the one must necessarily commingle with the 
other: in like manner, when thou receivest My 
Body and Blood, thou art so united with Me, that 
thou art in Me, and I am truly and intimately in 
thee. 

Is not this, My Child, a mystery of love? Yerily, 
it is even an excess of love ; for the force and 
power of love over My Heart are such, that thereby 
it is given to man, not only to be completely made 
one with My Body, but also with My Soul and My 
very Divinity, and that he sweetly enjoy the same. 

How the Angels wonder at this ! how they stand 
astonished ! how blissful they pronounce thee ! 



742 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



2. In this holy intercourse, My Heart pours 
forth that delicious and precious grace, whereby 
this consummate union becomes enduring, so that 
I abide in thee and thou in Me. 

For, even after the Sacramental species are con- 
sumed, I, as G-od, abide personally in thee, not only 
as living in a living temple, adorned with habitual 
grace, but also as the perpetual principle of super- 
natural sanctity, elevating thy life by the continual 
influence of sanctifying grace, and by the frequent 
infusion of actual grace ! and thus thou, in return, 
abidest, in a peculiar manner, in Me. 

Hence it is, My Child, that thou art enabled to 
live a life truly holy, a life, in some manner, divine : 
since thou possessest # ever, both in thy body and 
soul, My Divinity, whence thou mayst draw life. 

And this abiding union between Me and thee 
will be perfect, whensoever there shall exist be- 
tween Me and thee a true similarity, a true uni- 
formity : for things dissimilar and different are 
difficultly and imperfectly united with each other. 

Blessed perfection of abiding union ! Blessed 
thou, My Child, if, through frequent and devout 
Communion, if, through manifold grace thence re- 
ceived, if, through a generous fidelity, if, through 
constant fervor of love, thou disposest thyself to 
this perfect union ! 

3. For what springs from a perfect union, if not 
oneness ? Therefore, we shall now be no longer 
two, but, in some manner, one. 



CHAPTER XXIII., 



743 



This marvelous, delightful, beatific oneness is 
above all distinguished, — and excels all others, which 
are blended together from created objects — by this, 
that it arises, not from the combining or putting- 
together of us both, but from the transformation of 
the one into the other. 

Thou wilt not, however, change Me into thee, 
like natural food : but thou shalfc be changed into 
Me. 

Then, My Child, the affections of thy heart shall 
no longer be thine, thy desires shall be thine no 
more, thy joy thine no more. 

And, whatever natural inclinations thou shalt 
possess, and whatever other affections according to 
man, these, for this transformed life, shall be as if 
they were not; since thou shalt not live by them. 

But, in this new life, thou shalt live My life : the 
affections and inclinations of My Heart shall now 
be thy affections and inclinations : the love, the de- 
sires, the joy of My Heart, shall now be thy love ? 
thy desires, thy joy. 

The aversion of My Heart to evil, to the world, 
to everything vain, will pervade and replenish thy 
heart. 

The boundless zeal, wherewith My Heart is burn- 
ing, for the honor and glory of God, for the salva- 
tion and perfection of souls, will inflame thy 
heart. 

Whatsoever is bitter, thou shalt find sweet ; 
what is distasteful, thou shalt deem delicious ; what 



744 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



is difficult, thou shalt account easy in Him, in whom 
thou livest and art able to do all things. 

Thou shalt think of everything as I think; thou 
shalt will as I will ; thou shalt live as I live : yea ? 
thou shalt live, thyself no more, but I in thee. 

4. Behold, My Child, the hight to which the 
faithful soul is raised through holy Communion ! 
Who, except one that has experienced it, can 
understand all the holy, all the delightful, all the 
marvelous things of a soul thus transformed into 
Me! 

Many are called to this supernatural transforma- 
tion, but few are chosen : not that I am unwilling 
to choose them that are called, but because they do 
not dispose themselves, by means of the grace im- 
parted to them. 

For, how many there are, who, even though they 
frequent the holy Sacrament, do yet continue, in 
almost everything, to follow nature ! 

How many, also, there are, who strive indeed to 
keep themselves in a state of grace, but who, satis- 
fied with this, so serve nature, that they perform 
their actions from natural aversion or inclination ! 

How many, in fine, who, although they make 
profession of a pious or even a religious life, and 
have spent several years therein, "have not yet learnt 
to pass beyond nature ! 

What wonder, then, if these remain always im- 
perfect, always miserable, ever unprepared for that 
divine and perfect union ! 



CHAPTER XXIII. 



745 



5, But they, who, being disposed, have reached 
this state of transformation, how great a happiness 
do they possess ! how holy a liberty do they enjoy! 
with what purity do they taste My sweetness ! 

Hence, they despise all things that perish, they 
forget themselves ; made perfect and blissful, they 
abide in Me. 

The greatest bliss, My Child, the greatest hight, 
the greatest perfection, to which a person can be 
raised in this mortal life, is this, that he abide 
transformed and consummated in Me. 

Marvelous, yea, unspeakable state, wherein Mine 
are and remain thine, and thine Mine, and wherein 
oneness and fellowship between Me and thee are 
perpetually strengthened ! 

Come then, My Child, do not lose the hope of so 
great a perfection, but, after having heard the bliss- 
fulness of such a state, be more courageous, more 
generous, more faithful : thus, at the proper time, 
I will lift thee up unto Myself. 

6. The voice of the Disciple. . — Jesus, my 
love, most pure Bridegroom, most holy God ! with 
how great a sweetness dost Thou deal with me, 
who comest so often and so kindly to me in this 
most delicious Sacrament, in order to unite me, 
miserable creature, with Thyself, with Thy most 
sacred Humanity, with Thy adorable Divinity ! 

By the love of Thy Heart, whereby Thou deem- 
est me worthy of such a favor, I beg and beseech 
Thee, consume Thou whatsoever there is in me 
63 



746 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



contrary to the perfection of this union ; and en- 
kindle within me a great fervor ; that, generous 
and faithful to every motion of grace, I may trans- 
cend all merely natural things, and practice pure 
virtues. 

Thou knowest, Lord, how great a desire, 
through Thy goodness, possesses me of disposing 
myself ever more and more to this perfect and 
permanent union with Thee. 

Behold ! I offer, I deliver up to Thee, whatso- 
ever I am : I give Thee my heart, thfat it may be 
united with Thine : I give Thee my spirit, that it 
may be absorbed by Thine : I give Thee my whole 
*?elf, that, by the efficacious grace of Thy Sacra- 
ment, I may be made of one likeness and form with 
Thee. 

Receive me, Jesus ! accept me : unite me 
wholly with Thee : absorb me altogether : trans- 
form me into Thyself. 

7. how great and wonderful is the power of 
Thy love, whereby Thou changest the soul into 
Thyself! how great the condescension of Thy good- 
ness ! how great, likewise, the dignity and excel- 
lence of the soul transformed into Thee ! 

Lord my God ! lo, shall it ever be given me 
thus to enjoy Thee? let it be so, I beseech 
Thee! all the honor and glory of so blissful, of so 
disinterested a favor shall belong to Thy Heart, 
the fountain of all blessings. 

Let me cease to be what I am, that I may begin 



CHAPTER XXIV. 



747 



to be what Thou art, Lord Jesus : live Thou alone 
in me with Thy love, with Thy Spirit, with all Thy 
Heart's inclinations and dispositions, with Thy good 
pleasure for time and for eternity. 



CHAPTER XXIY. 

THROUGH HOLY COMMUNION, THE MOST SACRED 
HEART OF JESUS BESTOWS UPON US THE GIFT 
OF PERSEVERANCE. 

1. The voice of Jesus. — My Child, he that eats 
this Bread shall live forever. 

And why should he not lead an immortal life? 
for, he has within him an enduring, an ever-living 
principle, whereby he ma) 7 continue upon earth the 
life of grace, until he arrive at the life of glory in 
heaven. 

Thou wilt understand the price of this saving 
fruit of holy Communion, and burn with love for 
the same, if thou attendest to the magnitude of the 
gift, whereby perseverance in the life of grace is 
secured. 

Perseverance, My Child, is the consummation of 
virtue, the guardian of merit, the last and perma- 
nent triumph, the secure reward of labors and suf- 
ferings, the crown of everlasting glory. 

Without perseverance, all other things, whatso- 



748 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



ever they be, are devoid of their everlasting fruit 
and reward : perseverance alone crowns all. 

And therefore were all the Saints so particularly 
anxious about this great gift, that, since, they could 
not condignly merit the same, they might, at least, 
put no hindrance to it, and might,, through the 
means given, carefully prepare themselves therefor. 

Do thou, in like manner, diligently dispose thy- 
self, My Child, by the removal of every obstacle : 
and, as they did, so wilt thou also, through holy 
Communion, obtain this most excellent gift of per- 
severance. • 

2. This have I determined in My Heart, Child, 
that the greatest Sacrament, the holy Eucharis^ 
should impart the greatest grace. — perseverance. 

And, indeed, since in the Sacrament I give My- 
self to thee, whereby the Majesty of the Divinity 
may seem to be debased; why should I not give 
perseverance, whereby the glory of the Divinity is 
exalted ? 

Wherefore, although of thyself thou art weak 
and hast many miseries, here thou wilt receive for 
thyself such strength from My Heart, that thou 
wilt be enabled to reach the goal in safety. 

For, if the Prophet, in the strength of the food, 
which was only a figure of the Sacrament, reached 
the mountain of Grod. how much more shalt thou be 
enabled, by the strength of the truly life-giving, of 
the truly divine food, to reach the hights of the 
everlasting hills ? 



CHAPTER XXIV. 



749 



Lift up thy eyes, and see how many, of them- 
selves not less weak, not less feeble than thyself, 
have safely reached there even now. Take courage, 
and proceed thou cheerfully. 

3. My Child, yield to no immoderate fear : united 
with Me, thou canst efficaciously and easily guard 
against falling. 

Whence arises the beginning of ruin if not from 
lukewarmness ? For, when the soul languishes 
with lukewarmness, things spiritual must needs be- 
come unsavory and unpleasant, and nature desire 
and seek its own. 

Then man, by the propensity of his nature, be- 
gins to neglect watchfulness over the powers of his 
soul and the senses of his body ; yea, in order to en- 
tertain his failing heart, he gives a freer scope to 
them, and occasionally exposes them to the allure- 
ments of sin ; at first, not without some dread, but, 
by degrees, in a bolder manner. 

And hence, by three steps, he falls into destruc- 
tion. At the first, he acts carelessly, until he finds 
himself in the proximate danger of sin : at the sec- 
ond, he does not strive to pray earnestly, and im- 
plore the divine grace that he may escape the dan- 
ger, that he may not be overcome by sin ; at the 
third, alone and defenseless, in the midst of ene- 
mies, from within and from without, conspiring 
against him, he plays, and he amuses himself, as it 
were, with the charming monster, when, behold ! he 
is overpowered, and rolls headlong into the abyss. 



750 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



4. By what other means, My Child, canst thou 
more securely and more easily avert such evils, than 
by the saving Sacrament, which unites thee with 
Me, binds thee with the chain of love, and makes 
thee a partaker of My own strength ? 

What is there so well suited to drive lukewarm - 
ness away from thy soul, as frequent and devout 
Communion ; through which the fervor of divine 
love enters, and takes wholly possession of thee? 

Yea, if, during the time intervening between 
Communion, any beginning of lukewarmness make 
its appearance, a new and devout receiving of the 
Sacrament removes it, and restores the first fervor. 
For heat and cold, fervor and tepidity, cannot dwell 
together in the heart. 

Nay more, My Child, a holy Communion recalls 
the whole man to interior things, and brings to- 
gether all the powers of his soul and the senses of 
his body, to celebrate with Me, in peace and glad- 
ness, the sacred banquet. 

But the propensity of corrupt nature does not 
lead to this ; for it is itself also curbed in the divine 
mystery, which soothes the passions of the soul and 
tranquilizes the ill-regulated motions of the body. 

Here, heavenly delights, whilst they satiate., 
awaken a longing for them : and worldly pleasures, 
if any were tasted before, produce such a loathing 
that the desire of them appears base and unworthy 

Wherefore, being frequently renewed in spirit 
through Communion, and self-collected in Me. 



CHAPTER XXIV. 



751 



taught by the experience of thy own heart, thou 
wilt understand how much thou art obliged, and 
of how great an importance it is to thee, to be 
faithful. 

On this account, during the intervals of thy Com- 
munions, thou wilt endeavor to be on thy guard, 
and not expose thyself, of thy own accord, to dan- 
ger. And, if at any time thou findest thyself in a 
necessary or unforeseen danger; by reason of thy 
wonted intimacy with Me, which thou hast learnt 
in Communion, and cherished all along, thou wilt 
forthwith have recourse to Me, and strive, by prayer 
and supplication, by distrust in thyself and reliance 
upon Me, to flee, as soon as possible, from the dan- 
ger, and to unite thyself more closely with Me. 

By so doing, My Child, thou shalt walk upon 
the asp and the basilisk, and thou shalt trample 
under foot the lion and the dragon, and avoid every 
monster of sin, and, at last, reach thy end safe and 
unharmed. 

5. Wherefore, unless thou art often nourished 
with My Body and Blood, in the Sacrament; and 
unless thou dost sufficiently co-operate with the 
grace of the Sacrament, thou shalt not persevere 
in the supernatural life. 

This co-operation is, however, made sweet and 
easy through Communion, by reason of the peculiar 
grace given for this end in the Sacrament, and on 
account of the special love infused from My Heart, 
whereby everything is alleviated and sweetened. 



752 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



Behold, then, how thou mayst secure for thyself 
through a frequent, devout, and holy Communion, 
the gift of gifts, final perseverance. 

Come then, My Child ; it is a matter of supreme 
importance to thee : be brave and magnanimous, as 
is befitting a Disciple of My Heart. Faithfully 
employ the means : keep thyself constantly united 
with Me : thus thou shalt attain to those boundless 
and precious blessings, which now accompany 
holy perseverance, and will follow it throughout 
eternity. 

6. The voice of the Disciple. — How limitless, how 
precious, Lord Jesus, are those blessings ! They 
are so great, that, for them, Thy Saints gave up 
willingly everything, and that, when tasting them, 
they frequently shed tears in the excess of their 
blissfulness. 

How, then, could I be willing to exchange things 
so full of bliss for the miseries of sin ? how could 
I abandon charity, love of Thee, for the love of the 
enemy of my happiness? 

For, I shall not lose those things which are the 
effect and fruit of charity, unless I first abandon, 
unless T first expel charity itself from my heart. 
For, of itself, charity never falls away. 

Thou didst love me first, most kind Jesus : 
Thou earnest first : but behold ! Thou wilt not be 
the first to withdraw : Thou wilt not forsake me 
first, unless I myself first forsake Thee. So kind 
is the goodness of Thy Heart ! 



CHAPTER XXIV. 



753 



O Jesus ! suffer me not to leave Thee. Without 
Thee, what is there for me but darkness, and grief, 
and anguish, and bitterness, and misery, and never- 
ending death ? 

Oh ! allow not evils so great to befall me. Grant, 
Lord, grant, I beseech Thee, that, united with 
Thee, I may rather die any death of the body what- 
soever, than lose Thee, the life of my soul, the 
fountain of all blessings. 

By Thy Heart, by the Heart of Thy Virgin- 
Mother, by whatever is pleasing to Thee in heaven 
and on earth, I beg and entreat Thee, grant me 
perseverance ; bestow grace, add courage, that I 
may efficaciously employ the means Thou hast 
given. 

7. I am, indeed, weak and infirm, Lord ; but 
Thou art all-powerful and good. Assist me, there- 
fore, and stengthen me. Be Thou unto me a Sa- 
viour-God, aud Thy Heart a house of refuge to save 
me. 

Jesus, good Shepherd ! for Thy Name's sake, 
do Thou lead me, and nourish me with Thyself, do 
Thou refesh me with the living waters gushing out 
of Thy Heart, that I may cheerfully continue to 
follow Thee. 

O Jesus, heavenly Physician ! have pity on me, 
heal my frequent infirmities, repair my shortcom- 
ings, restore my vigor, that I may not grow faint 
on the way. 



754 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



Jesus, my Teacher ! teach me to do Thy Will: 
guide my way even unto the end. 

Jesus, my Beloved ! entertain Thou me, com- 
fort me in my afflictions, help me in my difficulties, 
incite me, urge me on to proceed and to persevere. 

Jesus, divine Bridegroom of my soul! hold 
me close to Thee : draw me after Thee : hehold ! 
being willingly drawn, I will run by Thy strength : 
I will run unwearied to the secure and everlast- 
ing possession of Thee. 



CHAPTER XXV. 

THROUGH HOLY COMMUNION, THE MOST SACRED 
HEART OF JESUS GIVES US A PLEDGE OF FUTURE 
GLORY. 

1. The voice of Jesus. — He that eats My Flesh, 
and drinks My Blood, has everlasting life : and I 
will raise him up on the last day. 

Behold, My Child, a great mystery, but a great 
mystery of love, a great mystery of consolation. 

For, here in the most holy Sacrament, thou re- 
ceivest both the medicine of immortality, and the 
symbol of resurrection. 

Hence, not only the soul, vivified and sanctified 
through Me, attains to the life forever blissful, but 
even the body corruptible and obscure, united and 



CHAPTER XXV. 



755 



incorporated with My life-giving and glorious Body, 
obtains never-ending glory and immortality. 

Wherefore, not merely on account of sanctifying 
grace, but also for a new reason, for the sake of the 
holy Communion, will I make thy soul forever joy- 
ous and blissful, reform thy body, render it like 
unto My Body, and adorn it, in a peculiar manner, 
with glorious properties. 

Lo, My Child, the most delightful and most mar- 
velous fruit of Communion — which completes and 
crowns all the others. 

2. My Child, when the goodness of My Heart 
wishes to display all Its magnificence, behold ! all 
Its other qualities and virtues are at hand, and con- 
cur and vie to ennoble and perfect the object. 

Now, in the holy Sacrament of the Eucharist, the 
love of My Heart has decreed, so to manifest the 
grandeur of Its munificence, that Its most glorious 
fruits should endure for all eternity. 

Do not then marvel, if this mystery overflows 
with prodigies so great and numberless, if it pos- 
sesses so rich an abundance of blessings : if the 
whole is sublime, holy, delightful, replenished with 
consolation. 

A very great miracle, indeed, is here promised to 
thee, that thou shalt live not merely in soul, but 
also in body, through all eternity ; but this is less 
than that which has already been done for thee. 
For it is, assuredly, less that a person should live 
in eternity, than that God should die in time ; it is 



756 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



less, that man should be raised up unto a glorious 
life in heaven, than that Grod should be lowered 
unto a hidden life in the Sacrament. 

And why should not the member rise again, when 
the Head is risen ? And why should not he live 
forever, who possesses in himself everlasting life ? 
Wherefore, when I, thy Life, shall appear, then 
thou also shalt appear with Me in glory. 

3. Behold, My Child, in the Sacrament thou 
hast the pledge of this ever-enduring glory, a 
pledge not of an ordinary kind, but one which is 
equivalent to the promise. 

See, therefore, how great an assurance of thy 
future blissfulness, My heavenly Father, on His 
part, has given to thee, when He gave, in so won- 
derful a manner, His only-begotten Son as a host- 
age ! 

And what must wholly complete thy joy and 
consolation, is that, in this pledge itself, thou hast 
wherewith, on thy part, thou mayst not render un- 
certain that most delightful assurance. 

What then remains, My Child, except to be 
thankful and faithful, to rejoice in the goodness of 
My Heart, to delight in the blessings poured out 
upon thee, and, as often as thou receivest Me, to 
call to mind, with gladness, that everlasting beati- 
tude of which thou possessest the pledge, which 
thou enjoyest by anticipation? 

When that which is promised shall come, the use 
of the Sacrament shall cease ; and thou shalt not 



CHAPTER XXV. 



757 



now have an anticipated partaking of bliss, but 
thou shalt possess the plenitude itself of bliss— 
thou shalt enter into it, and be penetrated by the 
same. 

Then, faith shall yield to sight, hope to complete 
fruition : and abiding eharity shall burst forth into 
never-ending joys. In that beatitude of thine, thou 
shalt breathe naught save love, thou shalt speak 
naught save love, thou shalt do naught but love : 
for thou shalt be in the pure realm of love. 

4. The Sacrament of love leads to the realm of 
love : the more love has been nourished here, and 
the more perfectly it has been kindled in thy heart 
in time ; the more will it there enrapture thee, 
and the more gloriously will it shine in thee during 
all eternity. 

Wherefore, My Child, live thou resigned by love, 
until the shadows of mortality decline, and the day 
of immortality dawn : advance thou peacefully by 
pure love. 

Whatsoever thou beholdest around thee, whether 
things prosperous or adverse, view them with the 
same eye of pure love, being, amidst them all, solely 
intent upon Me, in whom thou possessest life, and 
resurrection, and beatitude. 

If thou feelest this mortal life heavy with mise- 
ries, know, that thou wilt all the more relish thy 
future bliss, the more thou hast experienced the 
miseries of the present life ; and that thou wilt re- 
pose the more sweetly upon My Breast in heaven 



758 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



the more hardships thou hast endured, for love of 
Me, upon earth. 

Meanwhile, Child, be cheerful and valiant: re- 
pair thy strength and courage by the life-giving 
Sacrament; for love of Me, remain conformed to 
My good pleasure, in life and in death. 

5. The voice of the Disciple. — excess of good- 
ness ! Jesus ! who can comprehend, in this life, 
what a Heart Thou hast ! 

Behold ! Thou givest Thyself to me in the Sa- 
crament, to procure for me in abundance all things 
desirable in time, and, together with this, Thou 
givest Thyself to me as the pledge of the everlast- 
ing bliss, which, by a gratuitous liberality, Thou 
hast promised to me. 

Thanks to Thee, most kind Jesus, endless thanks 
to Thee, for so great a charity of Thy Heart. 

With all my heart do I rejoice at so great, so 
precious a gift, so gently and so lovingly bestowed, 
whereby Thou givest me the sweetest confidence 
of my everlasting salvation. 

I beg, Lord, my Grod, I humbly beg of Thee, 
that Thou wouldst grant me efficacious grace, that 
my election to the glory of heaven, so certainly and 
so divinely pledged on Thy part, may not be made 
void; but that, on my part, through my faithfulness, 
good works, and true merits, it may, in like man- 
ner, become certain. 

6. most sweet Jesus ! with how much fervor 
and cheerfulness ought I to serve Thee ; with how 



CHAPTER XXV. 



759 



great a courage to walk the roughest roads ; with 
how great a love to cling to Thee ; that I may 
reach those unspeakable joys, whereof T have here 
a foretaste, and whereof I possess here so sweet a 
pledge ? 

Ah Jesus, my Beloved, purest Bridegroom of my 
soul ! if it is so delightful, to enjoy Thee in my ex- 
ile, what shall it be in my own true country ? if 
Thy consolations are so sweet in the Sacrament, 
what shall they be in Thy kingdom ? if, whilst 
Thou art here vailed, Thy embraces so enrapture 
the heart, what shall they do, when I behold Thee 
face to face, when I recline upon Thy Heart, when 
I am satiated and inebriated from the torrent of 
Thy delights? 

my God ! when I think on this, whatsoever I 
find upon earth becomes burdensome and weari- 
some to me. 

Life itself loses all pleasure, since naught there- 
in can wholly satisfy, or completely satiate me. 

Nay, even Thy consolations themselves and Thy 
very sweetness afflict me with a marvelous and un- 
utterable pain ; because they cause me to know 
Thee more distinctly, and to thirst with more eager- 
ness after Thee, the fountain of all consolations, 
and of every delight. 

After Thee, my Jesus ! after Thee do I thirst: 
Thee do I wish to behold unvailed: upon Thee in 
Thy glory I desire to gaze : Thee, with all the ardor 
of my soul, do I long to enjoy by everlasting love. 



760 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



Come then, my love, come Thou : bum me : 
wholly consume me: dissolve me, that I may be 
with Thee, Thou my sole desire, my only good ! 



CHAPTER XXVI. 

RECAPITULATION. 
THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS IS OUR ALL. 

1. The voice of Jesus.— My Child, My Heart, 
which thou possessest in the most Blessed Sacra- 
ment as the pledge of future glory, and which in 
heaven will be thy beatitude, is meanwhile, so long 
as thou sojournest on earth, all things to thee. 

For It is wholly, with all It possesses, delivered 
up to thee, for thy use and enjoyment. 

Now this Heart, as It consists of a human nature, 
is indeed human, and can, therefore, feel for thee 
in a human manner; but, as It is hypostatically 
united with the divine Nature, It is, at the same 
time, divine, — is the Heart of a divine Person, and, 
consequently, possesses that which is divine and 
infinite. 

Behold, then, the fountain of all blessings, al- 
ways accessible, always gushing, whence thou canst 
ever draw, but which thou canst nevor drain. 



CHAPTER XXVI. 



761 



Here, My Child, here shalt thou find whatsoever 
is necessary, whatsoever is useful to thee. 

If at any time thou growest cool in spirit, here 
thou shalt be kindled again, here thou shalt be re- 
newed interiorly, here thou shalt recover inward 
vigor. 

If thou hast offended, here thou shalt find mercy, 
here thou shalt obtain forgiveness, here thou shalt 
regain peace. 

If thou art languishing through weakness, here 
thou shalt be restored, here thou shalt be strength- 
ened, here thou shalt be invigorated with a divine 
power. 

If thou needest counsel, or courage, or assistance, 
here thou shalt obtain it in abundance. 

If thou desirest some divine grace, some useful 
favor, some genuine comfort, here thou shalt find 
the same. 

Whatsoever, finally, is conducive to thy real 
happiness, thou shalt here secure, at any time and 
in any place, in health and in sickness, in life and 
in death. 

2. Moreover, My Child, in the Sacrament, My 
Heart is, likewise, a pattern of every virtue and of 
all sanctity. 

Contemplate with the eyes of faith, love, and 
imitate the virtues of My Heart all reduced to 
unity, and yet remaining separate. One and the 
same love combines, ennobles, and displays them 
all. 

64 



762 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



See here the gentleness of the love of My Heart. 
Its humble charity. Behold here truly the Heart 
of a hidden G-od, who emptied Himself: but to 
what an extent did He empty Himself! the more 
deeply thou shalt meditate hereon, the deeper thou 
shalt find the abyss of that humility, and the better 
thou shalt perceive the magnitude of that kindness, 
whereby My Heart, ever gentle, ever meek toward 
all,- undergoes and endures so much for love of 
thee. 

Look at Its piety. Consider how It devotes It- 
self to the service of God Its Father : how It con- 
secrates Itself to His interests : how It is ever busy 
with the things that belong to His good pleasure. 

Look at Its poverty. Look into the innermost 
of this Heart, what are Its sentiments in regard to 
the possessions of this world. See how It uses 
them. See how It is destitute of what is suitable. 
Behold here the model of holy poverty. 

See Its purity. Yea, My Child, behold and ob- 
serve, how It possesses a Body, made in some man- 
ner spiritual, like the ray of the sun, pure always 
and everywhere : behold and observe, in what 
manner It employs Its senses : behold and observe, 
how holy are all Its affections. Lo, the mirror of 
purity. 

See Its obedience. Behold and be astonished, 
My Child. Lo ! at the voice of a simple creature, 
at the word of the priest, I am ready, with My 
Heart prepared for everything : and even if the 



CHAPTER XXVI. 



763 



priest speak for the sake of sordid gain, yea, even 
if he be wicked, as soon as he has uttered the 
words of holy Consecration, I am present, with My 
Heart disposed to all things. In what place 
soever I may be put, there I rest, with My Heart 
resigned. In what manner soever I am treated, 
although I am not insensible, I yet am and jremam 
full of bliss. This, My Child, is the pattern of 
perfect obedience. 

See Its prudence. Examine devoutly, how great 
a prudence It teaches thee, in the sacred Taber- 
nacle, by Its example, in devoting and applying 
the means to the end : how great a prudence in the 
choice of companions, since It dwells ever among 
Angels : how great a prudence in manifesting affec- 
tions, whether of liking or dislike. 

See Its justice. Contemplate, how It refers Its 
Sacramental life, and Its every occupation to God, 
to whom all is due. Examine and observe, with 
how great a fidelity It directs all things, great and 
small, to the divine glory. 

See Its fortitude. Mark Its virtue, in enduring, 
with an even and unconquered mind, every hard- 
ship, as well from the faithful, from sinners, from 
the lukewarm, and from all the ungrateful, as from 
the places wherein It is left, or neglected, or even 
treated with indignity : in persevering in the under- 
takings of divine love, in spite of every opposition 
and contrariety : in making use of things adverse 



764 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



themselves to manifest a purer love for Grod and 
for man. 

See Its moderation or discretion. It distinguishes 
between the person who sins and the sin of the 
person. Knowing that man is the work of God, 
but sin the work of man, It desires and seeks, with 
unwearied patience, to destroy the sin and to save 
the man. It distinguishes between nature and 
grace, between the appearance of things and the 
reality. It distinguishes between good and good, 
and approves of that as better, which the divine 
Will actually requires or prefers. 

See Its zeal. It burns here with the desire of 
saving souls, seizes every opportunity, and labors 
in a marvelous manner. For this object, It pours 
forth prayers, night and day : for this, It shows 
an example of forbearance, of mercy, of every 
virtue : for this, It speaks to souls in many and 
various ways : for this, at one time It inspires and 
moves; at another, It presses and urges. Thus It 
teaches a zeal possible for all, easy for them that 
love. 

See Its generosity. Behold what It gives, and 
with how great a cheerfulness : lo ! It gives not 
only gladly what It has, but even what It is ; not 
only Its graces, but also Its merits ; and — more 
than all — Its very Self. See what It sacrifices, and 
with what nobleness of love. See what consola- 
tion It feels, when, for the divine glory, It com- 
forts the heart of man. 



CHAPTER XXVI. 



765 



See Its perseverance. Here, in holiness, It 
spends year after year, nay, age after age. Com- 
pare with this the time of thy perseverance, during 
the short space of a lifetime. It perseveres, not 
like thyself — now growing lukewarm then again 
fervent, — but ever with the same fervor. It perse- 
veres with gladness, because It perseveres out of 
love. 

Behold, My Child, the crown of sanctity, the 
crown of the twelve constellations, — which embrace 
all the stars of virtue, — wherewith My Heart is 
adorned, and in each of which love is twinkling 
and glittering. 

For it is the love of My Heart that is humble, 
that is meek, that is pious, that is poor, that is 
pure, that is obedient, that is prudent, that is just, 
that is long-suffering, that is discreet, that by its 
zeal promotes faith, hope, charity ; that is generous 
and ennobles all things, that is ever persevering. 

3. Lastly, My Child, My Heart is the Way, the 
Guide, and the Gate of heaven. 

The most safe Way, by following which thou 
canst not err: the shortest Way, because the 
straightest : the most pleasant and most easy Way, 
because the Way of love : the Way, in fine, wherein 
all My Saints have walked, and whosoever walks 
therein will become a Saint, 

The Guide, who will protect thee on every occa- 
sion, and ward off all danger from thee : who will 
assist thee with manifold grace, and reinvigorate 



766 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



thee with the very Bread of Angels: who will en- 
tertain and sanctify thee with the display of mys- 
teries, through which he will lead thee, and by 
which he will keep thy mind and heart occupied in 
a pleasant and holy manner, — advancing from mys- 
tery to mystery, from virtue to virtue, from one 
degree of holiness to another.' — until thou reachest 
the kingdom of heaven. 

The Gate, beside which there is none other, 
through which thou canst be admitted into heaven : 
the Gate, through which alone entrance is given : 
the Gate, through which, if any one do enter, he 
shall be saved and blissful forever. 

Beware, therefore, My Child, lest thou hearken 
to them that say, that there is a higher and better 
road for more perfect souls ; a way, not of My 
Heart, but of the mere Godhead, away, which, — set- 
ting aside or overlooking My Humanity, — can lead 
thee in a sublime manner to thy end, through the 
Divinity alone. 

Whosoever says this to thee, be he a man or an 
Angel, believe him not, trust him not. 

For, through My Humanity, I came to men : 
and, through this same Humanity, must men come 
to Me. 

Whosoever tries another road will go astray : he 
shall wander about amid dryness of mind and dry- 
ness of heart: frequently, destitute of inward oc- 
cupation and entertainment, he shall become ex- 



CHAPTER XXVI. 



767 



hausted ; yea, lie shall be in danger, at last, of 
falling away altogether. 

But thou, My Child, be thou mindful of My 
Heart, wherein thou shalt find all things. Here 
do thou frequently resort to Me : here be often in 
My presence : here pray, give thanks, praise, 
hearken to My words, meditate on My Heart: 
gaze upon Me abiding with thee, offering thee all 
things. 

Come then, My Child, yet a little while, and 
thou shalt repose secure upon My Heart forever. 
Meanwhile, occupy thyself with Me, and I will oc- 
cupy Myself with thee. 

Hold thyself in readiness : for coming I will 
come, and take thee up with Me into My everlast- 
ing kingdom. 

4. The voice of the Disciple. —Yea, most loving 
and most lovely Jesus, until Thou comest, I will 
ever be mindful of Thy Heart : in It will I live, in 
It will I busy myself with Thee, in It will I hold 
myself in readiness. 

How could I ever forget that Heart, to which I 
owe everything, and in which I find all things? 

Behold, infinite sweetness ! henceforth, Thy 
Heart shall be my rest, my true bliss. 

Here will I repose the more safely, and securely, 
and pleasantly, Lord my Grod, the wiser, the 
more powerful, the more delightful Thou art. 

If the world lays snares, if the devil tempts, my 
heart shall not be troubled ; for its abode is in 



768 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



peace, since it dwells in the aid of the Most High, 
in Thy very Heart Itself. 

my soul : how intimately shalt thou he united 
with thy God in the Heart of Jesus ! how perfectly 
present to Him ! There shalt thou he ever with 
Him : thou shalt live blissful in Him, gazing upon 
Him not in figure, but infused into thee ; loving 
Him not as appearing to thee, but working in thee ; 
possessing Him not as holding Him, but as pos- 
sessed by Him. 

In this Paradise of most pure delights, thou 
shalt overflow with uninterrupted bliss, ceaselessly 
enjoying the good things of the Heart of Jesus, 
the Lord thy God. 

Heart of my Jesus ! Heart of my God ! true 
heaven, everlasting repose of all the Elect ! be it 
but granted to me, that I may always dwell in Thee, 
enjoy Thee; naught on earth shall be wanting to 
my bliss. 

For Thou art the safeguard and security of them 
that dwell in Thee : Thou art the reward and glory 
of them that persevere in Thee : Thou art the joy 
and delight of them that enjoy Thee. 

In Thee is the light of the mind, the fortitude 
of the heart, the salvation of the soul, the perfec- 
tion of sanctity, the completion of beatitude. 

Heart of my Beloved : in which there are 
infinitely more and better things than the mind can 
understand, or the heart can grasp ; why should I 



CHAPTER XXVI. 



769 



seek for aught that is good outside of Thee? Be- 
hold ! in Thee are all blessings. 

5. "Wherefore, most kind Jesus, in Thy Heart is 
for me the life of bliss : and may death not find 
me except in Thy Heart! Oh! that there I may, 
at last, give up my soul ! 

Yea, may Thy love grant, that, henceforth, I 
may live, in Thy Heart, a life as it were dead, such 
as thou livest in the Sacrament ! 

What death can be more blissful than this ? what 
rest is there comparable to this ? Behold ! this is 
my repose in that death, whereby I desire to be 
disengaged from everything, and, by pure love, to 
live in Thee and for Thee alone. 

Jesus, my life and my every good : being thus 
perfectly dead, may I live for Thee so purely, that, 
when comes the end of mortal life, nothing remains 
for me, except calmly upon Thy Heart to breathe 
my last ! 

Let my last sigh be the sigh of Thy own expir- 
ing Heart: the sigh of pure love resigned: let me 
die by love, as also Thou didst die ! let me die a 
holocaust of pure love, consumed in Thy Heart! 

Will not this death, O Lord my God, be a bliss- 
ful repose, a sweet slumber, whereby I fall asleep 
upon Thy Heart in the land of my banishment, 
to awake upon Thy Heart in the kingdom of glory, 
to rest secure and rejoice for evermore? 

Thus, O thus, my Jesus and my God ! thus I 
65 



770 



THE FOURTH BOOK. 



wish : thus let it be, I implore Thee, Thou my 
sole desire, my Grood supreme ! 

6. Heart of Jesus ! Thou canst not be named, 
without enkindling : nor thought of, without con- 
soling : nor seen represented, without cheering : 
what, then, shall it be to gaze upon Thee unvailed, to 
embrace Thee in truth, to be satiated with Thy 
everlasting joys ? 

beatitude incomprehensible, most blissful life, 
life without end, without change ; life free from all 
discomfort, replenished with all blessings ! how I 
delight in the remembrance of thee ! how I burn 
with longing for thee ! 

Appear Thou, do appear, O Jesus, consum- 
mate blissfulness ! bid me enter into Thy joys, O' 
Lord ! let me join in fellowship with the choirs of 
all the Angels and Saints, and begin, witji them, 
the ever-enduring canticle of the love of Thy 
Heart ! 

beatitude above every beatitude : forever and 
evermore, may I gaze upon Thee, may I love Thee, 
may I enjoy Thee, for the honor and joy of Thy 
Heart, Jesus, my God and my all ! 



MEMENTO. 



771 



MEMENTO. 

Whosoever you are, Christian soul, remember, how greatly 
Jesus • Himself has recommended the devotion to His most 
Sacred Heart. For, appearing to the Blessed Margaret 
Mary, He said : " Recommend this devotion to ecclesiastics 
and religious, as an efficacious means of attaining to sanctity, 
the perfection of their state : recommend it to those that 
labor for the salvation of souls as a sure help to move even 
the most obdurate hearts : recommend it, in fine, to all the 
faithful, as a most solid devotion, one best calculated to over- 
come their passions, to secure peace, to root out defects, to 
obtain a fervent love of God, and to reach in a short time a 
high perfection. My Heart will abundantly pour out Its 
riches upon all that devote themselves to the same." (Month 
of the S. H. of J. with approb. of Abp. Paris.) 

" This devotion," says St. Alphonsus, " consists wholly in 
the practical love for Jesus. Now, this love is the devotion 
of devotions. It is truly to be lamented, that many Chris- 
tians perform various exercises of piety, but neglect this de- 
votion ; it is deservedly to be regretted, that there are many 
preachers and confessors, who inculcate many practices of 
piety, and never, or almost never, mention this devotion, 
which yet ought to be the chief one of every Christian. From 
this neglect it comes that souls make so little progress in 
virtue, continue to live in the same defects, and relapse even 
into grievous sins." (Introd. Noven. S. H. J.) 

Justly, therefore, does that Spouse of the Sacred Heart 
exclaim: "Why cannot I make known to the whole world 
those treasures of graces, which are stored up in the Heart 
of Jesus, and which He is willing to pour out so plentifully, 
upon them that are devoted to Him ! By means of this de- 
votion, He intends to preserve souls from destruction, and to 
establish in them the reign of His love, tchich will mffer no one 
of those consecrated to It to perish." (Blessed Margaret Mary.) 



772 



EPILOGUE. 



EPILOGUE. 

1. Behold, Lord Jesus, by a new favor of 
Thine, which Thou hast added to numberless others, 
I have accomplished, what, ,at death's door, I had 
vowed to Thy Heart : but Thou knowest how im- 
perfectly I have performed it, Thou who art a per- 
fect judge of Thy gifts, and a perfect witness of my 
ungratefulness. Jesus, meek and humble of 
Heart ! by that very goodness of Thy Heart, 
whereby Thou hast bestowed upon me unworthy, 
such blessings, I beg and implore Thee, do Thou 
vouchsafe to forgive all my shortcomings, and my 
ingratitude. 

2. Relying upon the known kindness of Thy 
Heart, I offer to Thee, most benign Jesus, this 
debt of mine, this little work every way so imper- 
fect ; and I earnestly entreat Thee, to accept and 
bless the same, and to pour into it the holy unction 
of Thy Heart ; that thus it may become a relish- 
able and efficacious means of attracting hearts to 
Thee, of purifying them, of adorning them with 
Thy virtues, and of perfecting them by Thy sanc- 
tity, of uniting them with Thee, of consummating 
them in Thee, for Thy everlasting glory. 

3. Prostrate before Thee, Lord my Grod, I 
earnestly pray for all those that shall use this little 
work. I ask special and abundant graces for them 
that they may be truly Disciples and Apostles of 



EPILOGUE. 



773 



Thy Heart, meek and humble of heart, and that 
before Thee they may remember me, — who am not 
worthy to be called a Disciple, much less an Apostle 
of Thy Heart, — that they may pray for me, so that 
I may save and sanctify my poor soul, through the 
Imitation of Thy most Sacred Heart. 

4. This grace, Lord Jesus, I myself do 
urgently request. For, of what avail is it to know, 
that Thou art meek and humble of Heart, if I my- 
self am not meek and humble of heart? Of what 
use is it to point out to others the easy and certain 
path of salvation and holiness, if I myself become 
a castaway ? 

5. Wherefore, most loving and most lovely Je- 
sus ! I pray and beseech Thee, by the Immaculate 
Heart of Thy Virgin-Mother, and by Thy own 
Heart, crown Thou Thy gifts so gratuitously, so 
sweetly bestowed upon me. Grant me this choice 
gift that, united with Thee by the bond of love, I 
may never be separated from Thee : give me this 
perfect gift, that I may love Thee perseveringly ; 
love Thee with that purity, with which the holy 
Virgins love Thee ; with that fidelity, with which 
the holy Confessors love Thee ; with that fervor, 
with which the Martyrs love Thee ; with that zeal, 
with which the Apostles love Thee ; finally, with 
that love, with which the Angels love Thee ; that 
I may repay its every love to the love of Thy 
Heart ; that, in every way, I may atone for the in- 



774 



EPILOGUE. 



suits ever offered to Thy Heart, that, having per- 
fectly put on the sentiments of Thy Heart, I may 
live out of sole love for Thee, until I be admitted 
into the endless kingdom of Thy love. Amen. 



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